Too much inspiration? Getting to “Day in the Life”
Leaders are supposed to inspire their teams, right? Cast a big vision that everyone is motivated to work towards, then sit back and watch the results.
I've been in several meetings recently where the leader has done just that — launched into a rousing,stirring, and even inspiring mini-speech about vision and values.
Yet the intended effect was not achieved. Instead, the group sat quietly with blank looks on their faces, as if to wonder, when will this be over?
So, how do we overcome this phenomenon…
Ask the question — what does this mean for a "day in the life"?
When the boss says we have to be customer focused? Ask — how do I handle the inbound call from the upset customer? How do I put your intent into practice?
When the boss says "we are like the Toyota of the construction industry — with a few base models and minor options"? Ask — what are the pricing packages I offer to customers? How do I tell the customer "no" to their request because it doesn't fit their business model?
As Thomas Edison said, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration". Time to do some perspiring…
