The Manager 165 - People are already solving problems
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"The Manager" Newsletter
Hi,
I hope you are safe and well. I’m very much preparing, looking forward to, and nervous about my first in-person conference in Norway, in a couple of weeks. I’m going to be doing a behind the scenes video.
I’m not the most gifted of presenters and suffer excruciating nerves. So, I’ll share the journey, my behind-the-scenes prep, and of course, snippets from the day itself.
I also dropped a new video and post this week about how to move people into action.
People are already solving problems
Trust me, in my years of working I’ve rarely had to directly, on my own, solve a business process problem myself. Sure, I’ve had to lean into many people problems, but not business improvement problems. I solve them but I rarely do this through my own direct work. Let me explain.
You see, there are already plenty of people in every business trying to solve problems, wishing they could solve problems or doing a great job of solving the systemic problems all businesses have (sometimes with little visibility).
Our job as leaders and managers is to find these people, support them, give them air cover, inspire them, bring them together, teach, communicate their efforts outwardly and provide whatever they need to solve the problem.
Managers and leaders have powerful levers to pull, so pull them to support others.
Find those who are frustrated with the business and their jobs. They’re likely passionate about the business and stuck facing something systemic. Find those solving the many problems that lie on the path towards the bright future.
Find those solving simple symptom-like problems and steer them towards the root cause. There's a systems thinking idea that solving simple problems creates the problems of tomorrow. Direct them deeper into the study of these problems to the root cause. Find those doing the good work of improving, and shine a light on them. Give people a platform. Give them a group of like-minded people all working to make the business better.
My job is to find those who are already solving problems and support them as best they can. If I find myself directly solving problems I tell myself to pause and look around, to meet more people and to find those already trying to solve these problems. They are out there; I must find them.
And how do you do this? Relationships.
Find people and meet them - and then listen. Listening is not only the greatest compliment anyone can give, but it’s also one of the best ways to learn. Build good relationships with people, listen and then pull whatever levers, connections and relationships you have available to help them.
In my entire career, I’ve solved problems by finding those already doing problem solving work - and working with them. I see patterns, I see problems easily, I have a toolbox of potential (tested and proven) solutions, so I can support, help, nudge and direct. But until I listen to others and find those people - I’m likely to make little change.
When someone the other day asked me how I build teams that get results, I responded by telling them it’s a simple case of bringing people together, pointing at the future and then listening to those who care enough to make the workplace better; those wishing, wanting or making change by solving problems. Then I support them. And this is releasing agility in action.
Don’t go at it alone - there are already plenty of talented and caring people trying to solve the problems in your company. It’s much easier to find them and support them.
Interesting Articles
The lack of feedback is why you quit. Projects and jobs. Good read (long)
Why the internet cannot kill the newsletter. Good read for those interested in newsletter, why they make sense and why this old tech is not going away anytime soon. (long)
Why companies can't hire, nor retain people. I love this field of problem solving. Is it the market? Partly. It's more likely the lack of thinking, communication and good management within the companies. But it's a seriously good time, apparently, to be looking for a job (medium read).
If you enjoy being creative and wish to explore this side of yourself more - then this newsletter / site is GOLD. The creative independent. Interviews with creatives. There are lessons, ideas and thoughts to consider for creative AND our business roles too.
Until next week
Rob..
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Rob..