Kit Prendergast, PCC
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Tag Archives: learning
To Delegate or Not? A Struggle for Leaders
To delegate or not? Delegation is one of biggest challenges for a leader in today’s work world. With work loads increasing, more complex problems to solve and fewer staff to cover the bases it’s no surprise that anyone in a leadership role (managers, supervisors, team leads etc.) struggle with the who, what, when, why and how of delegating wisely.
Why is it so hard?
As a executive coach, this is what I hear from both experienced leaders and emerging leaders in both corporate, government and non-profit business environments.
- It takes too much time for me to explain it.
- I’m not sure it will be done right.
- I could do it faster, easier, cheaper etc.
- If someone else does it – maybe I’m not needed as much.
- I don’t want to bother people – they’re already working hard enough.
- I don’t want to be self-important. (Jimmy Carter carrying his own suitcase)
Getting In Our Own Way
So the bottom line is that we often get in our own way. Are we a perfectionist? No one else can do it as well as me. Or do we delegate too much to one person that we trust but then others don’t get a chance. Are we concerned that if the other person does a great job that maybe – just maybe – we will be working our way out of a job. Or maybe it’s simply the rush we get from being that “go-to” person all the time even if it means working 24/7.
Those are important questions to ask ourselves. Are we actually the biggest obstacle to ourselves because we can’t get out of our own way?
What does a good role model look like?
Interesting, leaders often mention that they haven’t had a good role model in delegating over the years either from parents, colleagues or bosses. So in a great round robin discussion these 7 qualities were identified by experienced leaders as critical for a “ideal delegator”.
- They create a “culture of delegation”.
- They create a “culture of mutual trust”.
- They plan ahead so they aren’t “dumping” tasks on others.
- They delegate “results” not just “activities”.
- They delegate both important and maintenance tasks as well.
- They have confidence in their staff and want to utilize their staff’s strengths.
- They are truly committed to growing & developing their staff.
So how do you measure up? Are you willing to get out of the way and let others grow, develop and succeed? If so, you will be delightfully surprised how it will help you be more productive, manage your time and energy better and ultimately provide greater benefits to your own company. And the icing on the cake is less stressLet me know how you are doing!
The Pony Express – Riding as One
They ride as one. Horse and rider committed to the speedy and safe delivery of the U.S mail working in harmony each doing what they do best.
Here’s what we can learn from watching this amazing teamwork. When we have a burning passion and an unflinching commitment to accomplish something beyond ourselves we must ride as one unit. We can’t do it alone. Together we are strong and resilient. And the Pony Express annual Re-Ride demonstrates exactly that.
Watching the 2012 Pony Express Re-Ride come through Northern Nevada in June was an incredible experience. I had never seen it personally so when our Beer Club friend, Petra Keller, invited us to come watch her ride a portion of this famous trail I had to push the “yes” button.
And it gave me goose bumps to watch these beautiful and hardy horses carry their dedicated riders (from teens to80 years old) across miles and miles of Nevada desert. Each rider and horse takes a segment of the route which began this year in Sacramento on Wednesday, June 13th and ended in Saint Joseph, Missouri on Saturday, June 23rd. They travel over the original Pony Express route (1966 miles) going through eight states. 600 volunteers coordinate the logistics and support for the horses and riders including the setup of an impressive communications system.
And where’s the mail? That was interesting . . . the horse carries a 100 lb. leather mail bag called a “mochila”. The mochila has 4 compartments and lifts up and over the saddle to be as balanced as possible. Transferring it from one horse to the next is much like watching the Olympic Torch being handed off from runner to runner. But it’s even better because you are watching two horses and two riders working closely together to help each other accomplish this tricky but quick and efficient transfer.
So think about this . . . if there is something really important to you that you are passionate about accomplishing resist the temptation to be the Lone Ranger. Instead, look for a solid team mate that will put in the hard work, the long miles and the serious sweat to deliver the goal. Or in the case of the Pony Express to deliver the mail!
What Do People Hear? 7 Tips to Say It
It’s not what we say but rather what people hear. And I love this picture for showing us the power of non-verbal communication. Both this little girl and delightful dog are communicating with not a word between them. But they know what they both are saying . . . “I see you and I care about you”.
What people hear – not the words said – is what makes communication so challenging. How often we find ourselves saying “But I told him!” And then he says “But that’s not what I heard!” Sounds familiar?! But how do we fine-tune those communication skills?
So here’s the answer . . . use language (verbal or non-verbal) that accurately conveys what you want the other person to hear and understand. Sounds simple but it actually takes self-awareness, empathy and on-going practice to develop these strong and effective communication skills. The benefit? You will find that you will be less stressed, more focused and able to minimize unnecessary work when interpersonal communication is flowing smoothly.
7 Tips to Use Your Words More Effectively
Here are some ideas that I introduce in my communication workshops that can work very well for structuring positive, powerful communication. Now go ahead and add your own – you have learned and know what works best for you.
- Use Phrases That Subtly Open Up Options
- Use Phrases That Emphasize Commonality
- Use the Word “We” Rather Than “You”
- Chose Words That Normalize Issues & Concerns
- Avoid Phrases That Escalate or Dramatize the Issue
- Avoid Phrases That Back Someone in the Corner
- Watch Yourself: Be Aware of Automatic Thoughts & Distorted Thinking
And More Ideas . . .
Here is the icing on the cake . . . time proven tips that participants in my recent workshop “Communication That Builds Bridges” sent me just last week.
- Always start with a smile
- Use “and” instead of “but”
- Look for the right time and place to talk
- Know your desired outcome
- Appreciate the other person’s perspective & opinion
- Always use professional courtesy (please & thank you)
- Slow Down!
Bottom line is taking the time to think before you speak; while you’re speaking and after you speak. Let me know how it is working for you and how I can help you fine tune these valuable professional skills.
Dogs Sit in the Front Row of Life
I had to look twice! It was early evening on a beautiful warm night in Greece. And here are two doggie pals sitting together on the tin roof of a house along the main street of Amadaoli, Crete. Would they slide off? Nope.
They were perfectly content to watch the action down below on the street and when something really exciting happened (like their Greek Orthodox priest owner coming home) they would dash down to the first floor barking wildly to greet him. After taking care of that task, they would scurry back up to the roof to take their front row seat again and resume watching the tourists, party-goers and Global Volunteers (that’s us) returning home from our day of work. It was the best seat in the house – they didn’t miss anything and were right in the middle of the action. Why don’t we all do that?
It’s Simply a Habit – Hiding in the Back Row
Every evening they were there . . . and I had to think they certainly had the right idea. They were positioning themselves to be right in on the action. Sitting in the front seat of life not hiding in the back row. How often do we figuratively sit in the back and avoid being front and center. We find lots of reasons to do that . . . it’s our personality; the situation isn’t right; it’s too risky, etc. But it’s actually simply habit. We simply go to that comfort zone and default to pushing the “No, I don’t think so” button over and over again.
But what does that get us? Not very far and probably a bit bored. Yes, it’s comfortable and there are no surprises. And that’s the problem . . . it’s very, very comfortable and there are no changes, challenges or opportunities to stretch our wings.
How’s It Working For You?
Sitting in the back row of life may have worked just fine for you over these last few years. But is it working now? Is it getting you to where you want to be next? For many of us, that answer would probably be no. So I encourage you to move up a row or two – stretch that comfort zone until you’re sitting in the front seat of life like the doggie pals sitting on the roof. And I bet they are still there too!
Push That “Yes” Button!
It was a small boat in a small town on the eastern shore of Crete. The winds were up and the water was rough. The regular tourist boats were closed due to the May 1st holiday but our taxi cab driver (in a pink tie & driving a Mercedes) had a “friend” who had a boat to ferry people out to the famous island of Spinalogue, an old leper colony and one time prison.
Did we want to go? My adventurous twin sister, Diane, said “of course” as I was still contemplating a cappuccino in a cozy tavern on the shore. But that’s Diane . . . she has always been the one to push the “Yes” button before me. And I’m so glad she does! We’ve had the best experiences over the years including on this special holiday seeing this piece of history from the sparkling blue waters off Crete.
One of our wonderful Canadian team members, Sheila Davis, embraced this idea and became our inspiration. She is more fun, full of life and certainly is willing to say “yes” to anything anywhere. I’ll travel with her anytime!
Saying “No” Becomes a Boring Habit
It’s interesting how easy it is to get in the habit of just saying “No” to new things especially when they change up our normal daily routines or stretch our cozy comfort zones. We are quick to think of why it’s not a good idea . . . and much slower to think why it may be a good (even great) idea. It actually becomes a habit – saying no before we even really think about it.
But what does that kind of automatic response do for us? Not much. Sure, life rolls on very safe, comfortable and (dare I say) a tad bit boring. And we can find ourselves saying afterwards “Gee, I wish I had done that”. But we can if we get out of our own way and let those adventures in.
Building Your Resiliency Skills & Your Career
Challenging yourself to stretch, grow and learn benefits not only you personally (you’re much more interesting) but also your career. By using those adaptive, change muscles regularly you will be pleasantly surprised how much more resilient you are during times of significant change. You have that inner confidence and knowledge that you can be flexible, creative and adaptable. It actually very empowering – a real boost.
Make “Yes” Your Default Button
So my challenge to you is to make “Yes” your default button. Yes, default to yes as often as you can. It will take some practice to say “yes” first to new opportunities unless you can think of some really good reasons to say “no”. Now I’m not saying to do anything so wild and crazy that it’s foolish or unsafe. I’m talking about just adding a bit of spice and adventure to your life. Let me know how you do and then we can plan our next great adventure!