Note: This article is for you if you want to be a better manager, especially if you often feel like there is 2 little time to “get it all done”. And even more so if you often find yourself angry at others for not helping more. It may be just he thing you need to help you get 2 goal without quite so many nightmares. A sure boost to morale and productivity.
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Years ago, I was on the decorations committee for a large event. Connie was committee chair. For five months, she planned elaborate decorations. Occasionally she asked committee members for help finding odd objects or materials. Other than that we had little involvement until the day of the event when all fifteen members of the committee were asked to be at the site from 9 am until 3 pm to put the decorations in place.
At 9 am, she arrived with a car full of boxes and crates and bolts of fabric and on and on. Our first task was to help unload her car.
We stacked all the items just inside the door of the room in which the event was being held, then stood and waited for our next assignment.
Connie turned and looked at the fifteen of us eagerly waiting – looked at the stack we made – then impatiently told us we had stacked everything right where she was going to build a decorative volcano.
So our next task was to move all the boxes and crates and bolts of fabric again, after which we sat and waited for the next set of instructions.
Every now and then, Connie would come grab one of us and ask for help with this or that. My job was to go find an extension cord.
But for the most part, we just sat and watched her scurry around.
At this rate, there was no way we would be ready by party time.
If Connie could have drawn a diagram showing us the layout of the room – we could have seen her vision.
If she could have made a list of all the tasks and then assigned them to her crew of fifteen, we would have each known our role in accomplishing this vision.
If she wasn’t sure we could do our tasks just right, perhaps she could have shown us a picture or make a model. For example – she could have draped and decorated just one of the 100 tables and it would’ve taken no time for us to decorate each of the 100 tables to her specifications.
Though we suggested this several times – she didn’t do it. Maybe she didn’t know how. Maybe she was too nervous or tense about the coming event. Or maybe she just didn’t have time. But there was a large crew of underutilized people there to help her. And she was wasting their time.
One by one, each grew frustrated and left to take care of all the other things he or she needed to do that day. Eventually Connie was alone to finish the job and barely finished in time for the event to start. She was angry about it and told others that her committee members were slack and uncommitted to the organization.
On the contrary, they were very committed. They just didn’t know what to do because they didn’t know the vision, nor the plan, nor their role in making that vision come true. And so – they quit.
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You’ve probably seen this happen before. Unfortunately, this is often where the story ends, with people either literally quitting their jobs or perhaps worse, staying but doing nothing.
At least in Connie’s story, the workers were volunteers (ie no wasted payroll)! And at least Connie’s story had a happy ending – at least partially.
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When everyone returned for the event later that evening, the room looked beautiful. Some even described it as “breathtaking.”
Connie was proud. Her vision for the room wasn’t just a daydream. She had made it materialize.
But the process was a nightmare for everyone else. And the event itself was a nightmare for Connie who was too exhausted and too angry to enjoy it.
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Have you ever been in this situation?
Not much fun, huh?
Have you ever managed a project team the way Connie did in this story?
I have. Cringe to think about it. And sincerely apologize to those who had to endure it.
People want to help, to work hard, to make a difference.
Though they have dreams of their own – they are also willing to help you achieve yours.
But first – they must know what yours are.
Note: If you would like help determining your vision, clarifying it and communicating it to others, we would love to help you! Take a look at our Coaching Programs and Team Retreats and then we hope you will contact us to discuss!
copyright 2004, revised 2010 – Business Class Inc
I cringed the whole time I read this. I’ve been “Connie-ing” my team members. I’ve been keeping my dream within, and keeping folks waiting. They’ve waited patiently, though they’re mentioned to me that they’re ready for action.
Of the many lessons I’ve learned since leading this group of great people, here’s the biggest: They can’t do what they don’t know and can’t see. I’m overworked, frustrated, and behind. The reason? I’ve not been the best leader.
There are two quotes that are breathing life into me these days, both by John C. Maxwell:
“Many great dreams die because the dreamers lack the confidence to declare them. Whenever we are unsure of ourselves or our projects, we usually remain silent. We don’t say it because we want to save face.”
“Other people cannot follow our inward hopes; they follow our visible commitments. It’s seeing the dream that causes others to follow it. Commitment is contagious. People will only catch what has caught you.”
That said, I’ve got to get the dream out of my head, through my lips, and into the hearts of my followers so we can partner to do get things!
Thanks. As usual, this is helpful.