An effective leadership tip is to stop acting like a game show host with your team. While this may sound ridiculous, it’s all about the availability of information and your ability to manage your time. Some leaders make the mistake of thinking that you can have one without the other.
In the midst of a busy day, you’re likely going to take shortcuts that allow you to get through all of your growing to do list. Sometimes, this involves not telling your team members everything they need to know about a project.
Later, they’ll feel like they’ve completed the assignment. Little do they know, they’re on a game show where you’re the host.
“But wait, there’s more,” you’ll say. “You need to do this extra step in order for the project to be completed.”
Why is this happening? You were busy and didn’t fully explain the project at the beginning. This wasn’t malicious. You just didn’t remember to mention it or were distracted by something else.
As a result of this news, everyone has to rush to get the final step completed. Stress and frustration fill the room. The work gets done but there are hard feelings.
Over time, the practice repeats itself. Your team is undermined every time they think they’ve done a good job, only to discover that there’s still more work required. In some cases, they have to start from scratch due to your poor instructions.
“It’s just part of the job,” you’ll say.
You team will start to realize they’re working in the equivalent of a game show, where there is always a surprise hiding behind door number two. And usually it’s not a good one. No one wants to play a game where the rules are constantly changing.
Is it any wonder that we work in a time when employee engagement continues to be low?
You may think that giving clear instructions to your team is not a priority and maybe you can live with the costly mistakes they produce. After all, you’re busy. Doesn’t that give you the right to be a little vague with your team? Or shouldn’t you assume they know exactly what you need?
When people don’t like the game show they’re watching, they turn the channel. In your case, they’ll leave your business, even if the pay is good. People like predictability and don’t want to feel that they’re on a game show, where the odds are stacked against them.
Maybe it would be wise to slow down when it comes to explaining processes and procedures. Yes, you have a lot to do but do you think of your team as the foundation of your success? It pays to be clear.
There’s no such thing as saving time by giving incomplete instructions.
The blank stares and puzzled looks you get when people don’t understand what’s required of them are feedback on your performance as a leader. Try out this effective leadership tip.
Maybe it’s time to bring Ken Okel to your next meeting…
Read any good books lately?
