“People would rather believe than know.”
– E. O. Wilson (b. 1929), American biologist
“Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be.”
– Stephen R. Covey
Yesterday, we set the stage with the “R;” recruit and retain the best talent you can possibly afford.
Next, we’re called to create an environment where success is the most likely outcome and to put in place expectations that are so clear they can not be misinterpreted.
Environment. Expectations.
In the case of environment, it’s usually about removing obstacles. Our systems, processes and biases are obstacle-builders, if we’re not careful. When we honor processes over outcomes, and when we dictate what we will do by what we’ve always done, we risk sucking all the life out of our growth plans. Good intentions or not, I’ve seen “the way we’ve always done it” kill growth in dozens of companies. What’s even scarier? It adversely affects good talent — people don’t want to be in a place where the primary obstacles are self-imposed. The team has to believe that they’re supposed to win, not just know they might.
As for expectations, think “simple,” and “consistent.” Complexity is our enemy, and we’ve all heard it over and over again, “Well, our business is very complex!”
Um, no. It’s not. And if it is, revisit “environment” above. Difference makers, winners and leaders find the simplistic and build upon it, creating an environment where success is the most likely outcome. That promotes belief.
So, then, what about expectations? When our expectations are greater than the team’s current reality, the team will rise to those expectations, and become as they can and should be. They. Will. Rise. (If the “R” and the first “E” are in place, that is!)
When we put the right talent in an environment where winning is the most likely outcome, and provide expectations that are crystal-clear, we can literally feel the positive energy and forward motion. It becomes the best possible kind of self-fulfilling prophecy. We succeed, because it would be difficult not to.
And that tees up the “L” for tomorrow’s post.
Summary — REELAX: Recruit and Retain the best talent you can possibly afford, create an Environment where success is the most likely outcome, and provide Expectations that simply can’t be misunderstood...
I hope you’ll weigh in. Comment below and let’s turn this in to a dialogue.
Until tomorrow, make a difference out there today!
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