Communication

Oh, my!

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Have you been watching or reading the news coming out of DC?  Talk about problems!  How would you go about solving problems of similar importance in your organization?

One approach could be to circle the wagons, surround yourself with loyal staff and pretend nothing is wrong.  The loyal staff will support each and every one of your decisions.  I can hear the comments from here – “and the problem with that is what?”  There’s no real problem with this approach so long as you’re able to develop and implement objective and fair decisions.  But “group think” can result in ill-advised decisions.  History is replete with such situations, none of them solved satisfactorily.  Apparently this is the approach being used yet again by the folks in DC.  Now that should be interesting to watch.

The better approach to consider is to bite the bullet and hire a professional problem solver.  That person can help maintain the necessary objectivity while empowering and motivating staff to provide well reasoned and well developed options for your team to consider.  Here’s something else to think about.  You don’t have all the answers and you don’t always make the best choices.  You’re human and occasional opportunities for improvement will be encountered.  Hiring a professional problem solver is the first step toward developing and implementing lasting solutions to your problems.  Too bad the folks in charge in DC don’t use the same common sense you do.

On the road again

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It seems travel became the focal point of my life these last couple of months.  I completed three trips between early March and late April and realized how much I appreciate being able to do laundry in my own washer and dryer.  I know the dogs have a good time at the boarding kennel but they seemed to have that “not again?” look when I dropped them off this last time.

The hassles of travel can get to even the most experienced traveler, much like the hassles and frustration of unresolved work related issues and problems can wear down even the most experienced and effective leaders and managers.  Just when you think it’s going to be smooth sailing yet another problem (or the same pesky problem) shows up.

Just as we’ve had to adjust to changes in travel procedures like making sure we’re at the airport in plenty of time to get through security, wearing shoes that slip on and off with minimal hassle, etc. have you made any adjustments to your approach in handling difficult problems in your organization? Or are you trying constantly to impose what you think are tried and true solutions to today’s problems?  Remember that definition of insanity?  Why keep trying the same approach that still hasn’t worked?  Do you listen – actively listen – to good advice from others?  Or is it more important that you impose your solution to the problem despite all the information showing that your approach just doesn’t work?  You may want to ask yourself a question at this point.  Is this about the success of the organization or is this about your ego and need to always be right?  What’s really holding you back from learning about and using group dynamics in a positive way?

Some More Thoughts

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I’m pretty sure that if I mention group dynamics one more time you’re going to end the blog visit and walk away.  So let’s take a brief break.

During some recent travel I met an individual who caused me to walk away, shaking my head.  He is very successful in business and if you ever have a doubt he’ll make sure to tell you just how successful he is.  In the course of our “conversation” I was struck by the stark differences between us.  This man made sure I knew just how stupid everyone is ((I’m presuming that included me) and he’s the only one with the answers.  I realized that this man truly thinks people are stupid and not worth his time.  I saw the way he treated the young man at the coffee stand and I cringed.  It finally dawned on me that this man has a sense of entitlement due to his own ego.  Are people stupid?  No, not really.  Do we all have the ability to behave stupidly at times?  You betcha!  And that’s the difference.  Where the so-called successful man dismisses people because he believes them to be stupid I work hard to focus on the issue or the behavior, not the individual.  This businessman, through his attitude that he graces us with his presence, sends the message loudly and clearly that people are of no value to him other than what he can get out of them.  By focusing on behaviors I work hard to let people know, including my readers, that individuals do have value.  When there’s a problem we address the behavior without demeaning the individual.  Which approach do you think will enhance performance, job satisfaction and the bottom line?  Which type of person are you?

Frustration 101

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I have been traveling lately and have used my iPad liberally on the flights.  I’ve even downloaded a few game apps to kill some time while in the air.  I recently found myself a tad bit frustrated when a screen message popped up telling me that it appeared I was having trouble and perhaps the purchase of several expensive power boosts would help.  Ya think?  What to do with the frustration?  How stupid would it be to throw the iPad down the aisle?  Would that really make it easier for me to complete the level and move on?

How do you deal with the frustration of thinking a problem has been solved only to see it rear its ugly head time and time again?  What about all those phone calls and conversations with Aunt Nell where she tells you every little thing you’re doing wrong and why can’t you just do things her way?

Something to consider – group dynamics.  Both formal and informal groups exist within your organization and both are communication channels.  Why not communicate your sense of frustration, not so much to vent but rather as a way of seeking input from your staff?  Let your staff know that you’re aware that some problems never seem to get solved.  Will a realistic and lasting solution be found?   Consider asking your staff members how they would tackle the issue.  Keep the boundaries clear, whatever boundaries you set, but then listen as an active listener.

A Video Game May Help?

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Have you ever watched kids playing a video game as a team?  Even if they have to communicate through IM, headsets or whatever, they work together as a team.  The usual result is that the game level is mastered and they continue the positive progress.  Now, have you ever watched kids play an online video game where they have to join a group, most often not composed of players of their own choosing?  What do you think the difference is?  Are you starting to ask yourself what does such a silly topic have to do with the problems in your organization?  After all, your problems are far more serious than mastering some stupid video game, right?  Maybe it’s not the problem which is so serious but your lack of understanding which is the obstacle to a lasting solution to the problem

An effective leader – one who is confident in his or her skills – will be open to learning new skills and insights into how to get the organization functioning at peak performance.  Knowing the basics of group dynamics can give you the insight and knowledge that will help you work in tandem with a professional problem solver.

So let’s get back to what playing a video game might teach us.  Looking at the two scenarios of teams we can see a difference almost immediately.  A group that is given time to come together and function as a group will have a greater likelihood of success than a group that is thrown together and directed to achieve some goal in a short amount of time.

Yup, we can all learn something from playing video games.

Ostrich or Effective Leader?

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How have your conversations with Aunt Nell been going?  Are you giving her honest answers?  Or are you simply trying to buy yourself some time?  We both know the last approach will only work in the short term.  So what are you going to do to solve these nagging and seemingly endless problems?

One thing to recognize is that you will probably make some mistakes but make them because you’re trying, not because you refuse to take affirmative steps to solve the problems.  A positive affirmative step you can take even as you read this is to acknowledge that group dynamics play an important role in the effectiveness of any organization, including yours.  A deeper understanding of how groups function may give you some insight into how a professional problem solver will work to identify the problem and then work with all the parties to develop and implement long term effective solutions.  The groups will exist whether you like it or not.  Why not learn how to use those groups and their communication channels to your advantage and in the best interests of the people in your organization?  It has to be better than burying your head in the sand as you try to avoid yet another conversation with Aunt Nell.

Group Dynamics – Who cares?

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Someone once told me that the definition of insanity was trying the same solution to a problem over and over again, all the while hoping for a different outcome.  Sound familiar?  Perhaps your continuing problems might be the result of not fully understanding group dynamics and the importance they can play in the smooth operation of your organization.  But why should you be concerned with something you’ve called psychological babble?  After all, aren’t you the boss?  The problems will go away just as soon as people realize you’re in charge and they have to do what you tell them.  You’ve told your staff this in some form or another how many times?  I’m curious – if that approach hasn’t worked (and it obviously hasn’t since the problems haven’t gone away) why are you so reluctant to try a different approach using a professional problem solver?

No matter what your personal opinion might be about the social sciences, research has demonstrated that the concept of group dynamics is valid. Knowledge of how groups work, especially small groups, is essential to being an effective leader and manager.  Group dynamics affect more than just the morale of the organization.  They can impact communication and productivity.  Something to consider over the next few days, don’t you think?

The “Dream” Memo to Your Staff

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It’s the end of yet another difficult week and as you start to leave the office, do you think about writing just one more memo to your staff?  What about to the stockholders?  What would you want to say in that memo?  Would you tell your staff that you’re sick and tired of all the stupid little games and petty arguments that constantly undermine the effectiveness of your organization?  Would you tell your stockholders that you’re fed up with their constant second guessing?   For some, the only exercise they get is jumping to conclusions that you’re incompetent and they could certainly manage the organization better than you’re doing right now.  Does your memo include the invitation to all those who think they can do a better job to step up because you’ve gone fishing and will return when the blue cheese on the moon is being harvested?  Why is it that no real progress seems to get made?

My question to you is – how well do you understand and appreciate the dynamics of the groups that make up your organization?  Have you created an environment where a group can come together and function effectively?  If you haven’t, why not?  Do you understand and appreciate the characteristics of the groups?  Do you even know the stages a group has to go through to come together and become effective in completing the assigned tasks?  Or did you simply think that all you had to do was call some people to your office, assign the job to them and give them a deadline?  If you answered “no” to any of my questions, let’s chat.  This is a good a forum as any!

It’s a New Year!

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Happy New Year.  More than ten days into the new year and are you reviewing all those resolutions yet?  Was one of them to resolve once and for all the personnel problems which have been around for far too long? Is it finally time to get the stockholders (especially Aunt Nell and that nephew of hers) off your back? Just exactly how do you plan to do this?

Even with the new year the proposed solution from last year needs to be seriously considered. You need to hire a professional problem solver.   But keep in mind that professional problem solvers are not miracle workers. If you expect the problem solver to snap his or her fingers and shazam! – the problem is solved,  I’m afraid you’re going to be bitterly disappointed. But perhaps that attitude could help explain your procrastination. Unless you’re polishing silver or washing windows where the results of your efforts are immediately noticeable, the results of effective problem solving will take some time to be evident. Even a gourmet meal or an excellent cocktail takes some work and some time.

How much longer can you afford to ignore the problem(s) or engage in ineffective solutions? When you’ve run out of ideas please give me a call.  At the very least I can listen.

I’m Repeating Myself

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Have you all noticed a consistent theme running through my blogs?  You know what I’m talking about – those comments about why hiring a professional problem solver makes good sense.  When you think about it, hiring someone to help solve the problems makes sense from  a few  perspectives.  It makes sense from the HR or personnel perspective.  Having an objective set of eyes look at the problems or issues and take stock of the players involved is never a bad thing.  From the financial perspective the funds expended to pay for the consultant will be more than made up for by the increased revenues coming from higher productivity, better morale, and greater effectiveness all around.  Now think of your next stockholders meeting.  How more comfortable are you going to be describing the increased productivity and revenues?  Isn’t that a better prospect than having to hear from stockholders about what a lousy job you’re doing and what exactly are you doing to solve those problems?  Any approach which increases revenues by implementing long term solutions to persistent problems can’t be all bad.  Best of all, it will keep Aunt Nellie off your back – at least for a little while.  Just that alone makes the hiring of a professional problem solver worth it, don’t you think?