Inspiring Innovations, Inc.

​“When was the last time you stood up and delivered bad news?  It can be scary and uncomfortable.  As humans, our instinct is to want to be liked by those around us, but truly brave leaders know that if we want to make change, sometimes we have to deliver the cold, unpalatable truth.”  (GREAT TED TALKS:  Leadership, Harriet Minter)

Harriet Miller’s quote is simple, honest and complete in its analysis of how difficult it is to try Telling People What They DON’T Want To Hear!  Think about it.  As was “distantly” discussed in earlier III messages…EVERYONE is faced with this responsibility at some point.  This setting may occur in a supervisor-to-employee, friend-to-friend, mentor-to-client, counselor-to-participant and of course parent-to-son or daughter situation.  In every case it becomes a leaders role to effectively define and explain the problem and hopefully find a way to a positive solution.

Those who are not “brave leaders” may choose to delay, avoid, ignore, hope the bad news goes away or that someone else delivers the bad news message.  However none of these options help any problem…instead they may even contribute to making it  bigger!

The main point of this TRIPLE III TIME message concerning the Leadership At It’s Toughest:  Telling People What They DON’T Want To Hear! topic, is to recommend always taking a BRAVE LEADER role.  Remember the saying:  If not you…then who?  I think it is necessary to apply this question when addressing a bad news issue.  Would you want someone else to explain the problem, consider appropriate discipline or propose a good solution?  

I believe YOU know my BRAVE LEADER answer.

During the past year or so…in my role as a consultant and community college administrator…I have consistently asked “organizational customers”…what class or training opportunity would make you better?  And although I thought everyone would be able to quickly and easily consider my question and toss out a few learning examples…most times it just generated more questions.  Questions like:

• Do you mean in my job or at home?
• Do you mean a college class or just a workshop?
• Would it be just one class/session or might it be one that meets many times?
• Are you asking about one that would grade you too?
• Can you define “better”?

Well as you can see my observational research told me that most were not sure how to exactly answer the question and/or what to designate as an area they need to improve in?!

What Would Make YOU Better?  The goal of this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message is to indirectly motivate you to think about how YOU would answer this question.  Did I believe it would really be easy…NO?!  But unfortunately it seems to be a question individuals do not often think about.  Plus because it is a combination professional/personal topic area…it often generates the need for deeper response considerations.

I can report that when individuals or groups sincerely address the What Would Make YOU Better? question, the results can be extremely progressive!  The “Better” answer sometimes is as simple as taking a personalized computer class…or as involved as a series of time management sessions for all in your organization.  However the best part of whatever actions are taken…is that professional ownership of the improvement is required!

Many have heard me say in the past:  “Assuming means that you can read someone’s mind…and I have never had that work out for me!”  Remember?

Well this week I want to use this TRIPLE III TIME message opportunity to offer even more detail to these long term words of advice.

First, I believe it’s important to point out that given all of the change we have experienced in just the last few years…nothing in the world of work can be assumed as the same.  People in certain jobs have changed…products and services have changed…so don’t apply the ASSUMING approach to any of these areas.  You will be let down.

Second, think about the whole category of communication.  Are there really just one or two standard professional ways of sharing a message or document?  NO!  Therefore if you are ASSUMING you will get a return phone call, letter or maybe a personal visit…don’t hold your breath!  You will be let down.

Finally, one of the biggest drivers of ASSUMING falls under the categories of work and family traditions.  Think about these statements.  “We have always done it this way.”  “We always meet on this date, time and this location…IN-PERSON!”  How many assumed strong traditions have faded or have been greatly altered in the recent years?

My TRIPLE III TIME advice is to try and limit the personal and professional discomfort resulting from the ASSUMING situations you become involved in.   Because “Assuming” Has No Value.  Rather take it upon yourself to answer questions more completely, make necessary phone calls, attend in-person meetings, make appropriate reminders even if seemingly unnecessary.  And most importantly help others beyond expectations.

The results will be a better adjustment to change factors, better quality communication, more positive revision of traditions and less assumption pitfalls!!

Did I just hear someone say:  “Are you a little more calm now!”