When you want to go fast, go alone. When you want to go far, then go together.
I’ve been silent recently because I had to go it alone for a while. Since I wrote last, I updated siderroad.com, taught undergraduates business communications, started book number two, continued consulting and speaking on “Leading with Innovation” and completing my MBA. All of this meant I didn’t have enough time to write. Despite the challenges, time has moved quickly this past quarter; and, all the while, my mantra has been “education matters… relationships matter… family matters… being in the moment matters… and staying healthy matters.” But, I’m back…..
To do well in anything, one must know how to say no, maintain focus and communicate well. My social life has been at bay. Learning a huge amount of new information in a short time and adjusting to the way each business professor believes about problem solving can suck the life out a person. 🙂 Operations management has led to a true shift in the way I approach life now. Thinking forward and accounting for historical mistakes is key.
Introspection, Inclusion and Innovation
“Leading with Innovation.” You know how that’s done, my friends? As you work hard to multitask and meet your goals, you must be willing to listen to naysayers and consider their feedback, which actually might be useful. Your colleagues may offer ideas you simply haven’t thought about. And, they often can provide a fresh perspective when you’ve been too focused to take a breath. However, they need to feel secure enough to speak up, and TRUST that you are listening with an unbiased perspective. Can you do that? I know you can. And, you’ll be the better for it.
In fact, on the spot intuition shouldn’t be taken for granted. I used the example of Buffalo chicken wings in the speech (my beloved hometown). Teresa was delivered wings instead of full chickens in 1964 and had a full house that night. On the spot, she slathered hot sauce, fried them and prayed. Obviously a winning decision spawning an industry and setting off a new line off food and brand. Everyone, I mean everyone, can come up with concepts that are a win-win. The goal is to LISTEN.
I can recall past subordinates whose brainstorms improved quality and efficiency, saving me time and the company money. As a leader and engaged coworker, find the time each week to walk the halls, stop at people’s desks and pay attention to what they have to say. Invite them to be part of processes and contribute their thoughts on improving the things that “always have been done that way.” Ask your staff, the cleaning crew, and/or folks who deliver mail about what’s going on and what can be better. And, don’t forget to watch your non-verbal language, like folding your arms, or looking away. Keep your team engaged, look people in the eye and make each person feel like a partner.
Every corporate culture is unique, and communication, or “openness,” differs from organization to organization. Sider Road helps you to manage these nuances and foster business growth. When you want to go far, then go together.
Finally, I won a grant in which I wanted to study Psychological Safety in the workplace and here is the link for the 26 questions which should take you all of 90 seconds to answer. It would be greatly appreciated if you could answer the confidential survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QMYFWWN
Yesterday is over and tomorrow celebrates fresh light.
Warmly,
Jocelyn
