Tag: values

Distinctive

FabrizioLeave a comment

When things do not go as planned, and you have to break the news to those who have helped, to those who have offered their ideas, their energy, their work, there is one thing that can make it worse.

Blaming the change of plan to others.

Of course, it works in the moment. It pushes away the shame for the loss, the difficult conversation, the necessary argument.

But as you regroup and start delivering against the new plan, no one will feel committed.

Find a reason to believe in instead, and motivate the changes with passion. Even when it was not you making the call, especially when it was not you making the call. Nobody likes change, but everyone is willing to accept it, if it makes sense.

Long term is always more important than short term. That is the distinctive sign of leadership.

Damages

FabrizioLeave a comment

Scoring a point, winning an argument, having it your way.

They might all seem like great things, except the damages they make are often greater than the satisfaction they bring.

If you find this difficult to grasp, think back at the last time you failed to score a point, you lost an argument, you did not have it your way.

What you felt back then is the same your counterpart is feeling today. And you know for a fact, it is not a feeling that it is easy to shake off, not a sentiment on which it is possible to build a strong relationship.

And so I guess the question would be: is it worth it?

Personal

FabrizioLeave a comment

When you start thinking that somebody has done something to hurt you, offend you or cut you off, do two things.

Take a break.

Reach out and have a conversation.

Uncomfortable

FabrizioLeave a comment

Doubts, uncertainty, rejection, feelings of inadequacy come attached to every idea.

And the answer, of course, is not to stop having ideas, developing them, sharing them, advocating for them. The answer is getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, accepting that having ideas is but the first step in a long process that could, and actually most of the times will get you nowhere.

When you are ready for that, you might even end up somewhere. It is worth trying.

I do not know

FabrizioLeave a comment

When you let go of things you are not good at, you find the space and energy to double down on your strengths. And, equally importantly, you leave the space to others in your team to do the same.

For leaders, this is particularly crucial. We tend to think we should know it all and do it all, that if we are not going to do something is just because we really do not have time. And all that translates, day after day, into a demotivated team, poor deliveries and many chocked processes.

Not knowing is ok.

Say it out loud: “I do not know”.

It is the only possible step towards building a team that can deliver the change you are seeking.