Category Archives: Management

#172 Dependence

Leave a reply
Send to Kindle

The modern workplace requires interdependence. Tasks are complex, technology simplifies some tasks, but requires new behaviors, thus created unexpected complexity. Task dependency is a pain, but a bigger problem is emotional dependency.

Your co-workers can be a source of strength, or they can drain your strength. They can cheer you on, or pick imaginary holes in your ideas. They can applaud you for your achievements or punish you for your errors and failures.

The true source of strength is within you. This means:

  • Identify and mitigate risks in your workplace. Have a plan B, in case plan A fails, falters, or veers off course. This will make you less dependent on individuals, without abandoning interdependence.
  • Be compassionate with your co-workers for their thoughtless speech and action. You have to forgive them, for they know not what they do. Do not let your self-confidence by impacted negatively or positively, work to achieve equanimity.
Share

#168 Chaotic collaboration

Leave a reply
Send to Kindle

In fast moving environments, speed is worshipped and regarded as a key driver of success. If you can move fast, you will be considered successful. The reason for this is simple: “fail quickly” is the advice heeded by successful professionals. If you are starting something new and you move fast, you will gain a few benefits:

  • If the idea is not feasible, cut your losses and try something else.
  • If an idea is feasible, shift your investments around to high potential or high reward projects.
  • You have to move faster than the competition, sometimes time to market is critical.

While speed will always be on the wish list, once a target or goal has been established, it is better to tap the brakes and move at a speed you can control. Momentum is gained via collaboration, and the weakest link in your coalition will determine your safe speed. If you go faster than the top speed of the slowest member of your coalition, you will have to pause often to wait for them to catch up. If you don’t wait, your coalition is weakened. If you achieve your target or goal, and the slowest member catches up, they are not part of the solution, hence lower commitment to sustain the momentum.

If you can afford to, you will shed and replace the slowest member, but that may not always be an option.

While the workplace does not have to be a pure democracy, you can’t afford not to help your coalition keep up with your speed.

Share