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I was talking with a CEO the other day who was brought in to handle a turnaround situation. As you can imagine, he is assertive, forthright, quick to make decisions, and has other characteristics of a change agent.
One of his new department heads could not be more different. She has 30+ years of service with the organization. She is new to a leadership role and promoted without the needed knowledge and skill set for success. She is thoughtful, calm, a slow decision maker, with low confidence in her new role. As a consultant brought in by the CEO to get this new leader up to speed on her department, I offered the CEO some observations and suggestions for how to support and encourage the new leader to ensure her success. Early into our discussion the CEO defended his current approach: “I don't treat her any different than I treat any other executive.” Have you ever been offended because someone made an assumption about what you meant or what you wanted or needed? Of course you have. Have you ever made an assumption about what someone meant or what someone wanted or needed? Of course you have.
By assuming you knew what someone wanted, did you ever deliver the wrong outcome? Of course you have. And, when our starting point is off, our response will also be off. There is another approach. There are many obstacles that get in the way of success – business success, personal success. Some obstacles are easier to deal with; some we have less control over. Some we are aware of; some sneak up on us. For sure, avoiding obstacles doesn’t make them go away and doesn’t minimize their impact.
Here’s a different approach to facing obstacles - think of obstacles as opportunities. |
AuthorLoretta has over 25 years of operations management experience in a wide range of industries. She is an operations consultant, speaker, writer, teacher, trainer, and certified coach - ready to help you & your organization thrive. Archives |
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