With 2022 just one calendar page turn away, we should consider the possibilities for the new year. Think of this article as a collage of random thoughts and ideas to consider – let’s call them “ponderables.”
ROADS
When you choose a road, you choose the journey and the destination by default. If this is the dirt road to San Antonio, then that is where you’re going, and it’s going to be bumpy and dusty or muddy along the way. It doesn’t matter whether you want to go there or experience that journey; those are what you will get on this road.
RELATIONSHIPS
The same is true with groups of people. In-crowds, outcasts, cool kids, outlaws, country clubbers, or biker gangs – your experiences and consequences are predetermined. The world assumes that “birds of a feather flock together.” In other words, if you’re with them, then you must be like them. So, others will treat you as if that were true. This applies to individuals as well. If you hired them, then they are part of your organization – warts and all.
ATTITUDES
When you choose a point of view, you, by default, choose the effects of that perspective. I know a man who proudly claims to be a “contrarian.” He loves that he always plays the role of “devil’s advocate” or skeptic. He goes against the norm and sometimes gets excellent results. But he’s also an a**hole. Sorry, but it’s true. The attitude he adopted is one of opposition rather than collaboration.
If you go to him for problem-solving, you can expect to be put down or criticized before it’s over. I know others who are encouragers and open-minded – “good finders” by choice. It’s a joy to work with them, and you feel stronger or more capable because of it. Intelligence is not an excuse for obnoxiousness.
SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
The state-of-the-art computer system you bought might be capable of great things beyond what others can see, but if it’s too complex for your people to master, then you’ll be the only one using it. Whether you choose a user-friendly or highly complex system, you own the results, and the results are predictable.
Conversely, if you stay “old school” in your operations, then your competition and the best-talented people will outpace you. People won’t want to work with you for fear it will limit their potential opportunities. Find a happy place between high-tech and obsolescence where everyone can thrive.
POLICIES AND RULES
Most laws are passed after someone misbehaves. Most home security systems get installed shortly after the first burglary in the neighborhood. Don’t put work rules in place for everyone if only one or two people need to be controlled. Address your problems at the source, not through the whole team.
With every new rule, life shrinks a little. No smoking is a good policy for the workplace because smoke is unpleasant or harmful. But don’t try to make Henry quit smoking altogether. That’s his choice, not yours. And, if Jerry isn’t always late like Jessie, then don’t impose new restrictions on Jerry and the rest of the team.
When you put a new policy in place, make sure it works to encourage good performance, not merely to end undesired actions. Tailor your rules to the kind of business you aspire to be, not just in reaction to the one you are.
WORK HABITS AND PERSONAL HABITS
Humor me and think of systems as business habits and routines as personal habits. If you start each workday with coffee, donuts, and email before tackling the day’s work orders, then your personal routine limits your productivity. However, if you set goals each day and review them with your team, everyone will be more mutually focused. Systems include: Where do you keep your tools? Parts? Manuals? Laptop with work items on it? Shouldn’t these things be readily and predictably available and handy? When you choose a business habit or system, you’ve chosen its outcomes.
Every time we choose, our choice predetermines what comes next. It selects a direction, style, or mode that has a limited range of possibilities. As Stephen Covey says, “Plan with the end in mind.” Think first of the future outcomes you want and then plan backward to today.
Don’t expect to change people. Instead, change your approach and your choices.
