What do the wheel, nail, pulley, rubber band, sliced bread, paper clip, post-it notes, zipper & velcro all have in common?\u00a0 They’re simple!\u00a0 These items & many more make our lives easier every day.\u00a0 In fact, we probably can’t go a day without using at least one.\u00a0 These “low-tech” solutions can get overlooked with so many technological gadgets that help untangle our lives.<\/p>\n
One of my coaches believed strongly in the K.I.S.S. method to keep himself from over-complicating the myriad of daily decisions.\u00a0 He showed us that leaders provide many positives; breaking down complex concepts can often be one of the most important. \u00a0By simplifying the message it’s received clearly by the majority & improves the entire enterprise by helping everyone connect their job to the overall vision for the enterprise.<\/p>\n
*Clear Vision & Purpose<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n There were two masons working on the same project.\u00a0 A passer-by asked the first mason what he was working on.\u00a0 He replied, “I’m building a wall.”\u00a0 He keeps walking & when he sees the second mason asks the same question.\u00a0 He replied, “We’re building a cathedral!”\u00a0 Boom!\u00a0 Clear vision & purpose in four words!\u00a0 Don’t we all want to be engaged & inspired by the work we do?\u00a0 Leaders say “we” & keep everyone connected to the over-arching vision for any project.\u00a0 It must be communicated (overstate for clarity), shown by example & most of all…simple!<\/p>\n Most of us work inside organizations that have layers that can slow progress. \u00a0The more complex the hierarchy the more it can conspire<\/em> against getting things done. \u00a0Our individual influence can have a positive impact when projects get mired in bureaucracy.\u00a0 As leaders, we all have a responsibility to help facilitate others’ success.\u00a0 This simple message on a workplace poster is a perfect example, it stated…<\/p>\n -Know your job<\/p>\n -Do your job<\/p>\n -Inform leadership if you don’t know or can’t do your job<\/p>\n Excellent straightforward example. \u00a0The best part is that it’s all up to us; no money, special talents or skills needed, just our own effort. \u00a0It focuses us on the things we can<\/em> control.\u00a0 Imagine how quick teams would come together if these three were taken care of every day!<\/p>\n *Know Your Job<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n It’s our primary responsibility to know what we’re supposed to be accomplishing every day. \u00a0What’s the stuff you were hired to do to help the company move forward?\u00a0 Learn all you can, stay passionately curious, involve others & press on!<\/p>\n *Do Your Job<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The majority of our lives don’t involve “nirvana” moments, instead we generally just have to get on with it. \u00a0How we go about our work shows a ton about our character, leadership & caring for others.\u00a0 We all use our individual talent strengths to “get ‘er done”.\u00a0 Creating the acceptance space for employees to do the same serves as much needed inspiration during the daily grind.<\/p>\n