I was in a conference today with a large number of federal employees. I heard discussions on the hiring process, management processes, etc. The walls seemed to close in on me. Every word I heard was pointing out the obvious (the problems) - not many people were positive and not many wanted to put the time or effort in to solutions. I can hire a teenager to point out the problems to me (or, I am smart enough to figure them out for myself). What I need are solutions and very few people in that room today made it on my "need" list.
Ever wonder where you fall on your boss's "need" list? Do you point out the obvious? Do you emphasize (ad nauseam) the problems the organization faces? Or do you ask the question "what is the solution"? Thinking about solutions fosters solutions. Devon pointed this out a couple of days ago on a blog post comment. What we think about begins to take root and generate momentum as well as generate answers.
Don't get caught in the trap that office discussions often offer - a chance to vent. Be the agent of change that makes a less-than-stellar situation better. Be the leader.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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2 comments:
Amen! As one who spends nauseous time every day sitting in meetings, I second this blog!!!
I spend another ten hours today listening to people talk. I can't believe how tired I am! It's amazing how draining meetings are. Luckily, I am "meeting free" the rest of the week!
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