Do as I say and not as a I do.  My team know this already, especially when it comes to time management.  So over the last few weeks I have been a little more reflective than usual, not the big “what are we all here for stuff” but around work, what works what doesn’t.  So in hastily cobbled style… 3 things that we could all do with a bit less of in our work lives… that will improve my lot at work, create a conversation with my team and get you talking to me again…

1. Blaming other bits of the company for stuff

Ok, none of us are perfect… you or me and people make mistakes.  Interestingly I genuinely believe that you should let people make mistakes because they will learn.  Or at least let them do it a couple times.  But in our work lives, people do make mistakes, suppliers let us down and we tell them it is their fault.   Only it isn’t always their fault is it.  We could have provided a better brief, more time, or maybe found someone better to do it in the first place.  Anyway… time for us all to take responsibility for things going wrong… in the long run we will all benefit…

2. Interrupting people less…

I would say we all do it.  Only we don’t.  In the busy environment we work in however I do think we do it more and more.  Especially on conference calls.  So, in the old sales adage of two ears and one mouth, I will listen more.  Talk less and be more patient about where we get to in the conversation… but help me out… do the same?

3. Being in control all the time…

It is a tricky balance.  Being in control of what is going on yet allowing your people the freedom they need.  You might be the boss but in reality the only thing you really control is you.  This might sound like a big pile of gorgonzola but in the main if you find yourself having to manage by force then chances are something is starting to go wrong.  So the key thing is to make sure you bring your team along with you, that your goals are their goals and vice versa.  A tough one to crack but possible.

I will let you know how it goes over the next few weeks.  In the mean time though don’t be shy, if you have something to add then the comments box below is waiting for you.

M.