Once I was asked to lead a cross-group project to fix a broken process. By the time the team formed, the workflow was so busted that everyone was happy about a refresh.
I thought my Lead would be thrilled to hear how quickly we pinpointed the gaps and adjusted. That’s why her opening gotcha question of, “Who’s the bad guy here?” threw me off balance.
I’m not normally at a loss for words, but I was stunned. Suddenly, her problem-solving narrative became clear: “Find the bad guy. Pin it on them. And my work here is done.” However, making demands and blaming others isn’t much of an achievement!
As I scrambled for an answer, I remembered advice from a stellar Project Manager: “Conflict delays the process.” The reality was that there was no bad guy— there was just a bunch of people who had inherited an archaic approach and were trying to make the best of it. Trying to find the bad guys would have only added unnecessary intensity, anger, and resentment to an already loaded situation. We needed partners, not scapegoats.
In the March series, Precision Problem Solving, we’re looking at the hidden aspects of problem-solving. Last week, we talked about the role that others’ emotions play. My v-team experience taught me another hidden truth: Blaming and binary good/bad thinking are a cost you don’t want to pay.
In fairness, everyone wants to architect quick solutions when the clock is ticking, and the budget is going up in smoke. However, as a dealmaker, I saw how getting pushy has a price. For every person who boasted, “I didn’t give them a choice,” there was someone on the other side who was aggravated, alienated, and lying in wait to settle the score. Like Winter, payback is coming!
The alternative to navigating projects like a workplace version of Game of Thrones is to envision yourself as part of a band. Musicians in successful bands are clear about their role, recognize others’ contributions, and don’t hassle the crew. Those habits are also how to become a rock star at work because hey, everyone loves the person who makes life a little easier!
Making life easier was a critical learning for Deborah Tuggle, owner of Bite Me! Cookies. If you ask about the key to her success, she’ll highlight people, then mention their product line and how they produce 15,000 cookies an hour.
Tuggle noticed how many of her job applicants were recent American immigrants. Deb realized that learning the machines was only step one. On-the-job effectiveness also required breaking down the language barrier. So, her light bulb moment was to keep employees on-site by offering English classes. Eventually, the curriculum expanded to include essential tools for assimilation, such as social skills and computer courses.
Deb believes, “So long as you honor people and meet them where they stand, they’ll be good to you. We want to make a difference. We’re trying to make it happen, one cookie at a time.”
Everyone has dilemmas about how to partner to get things done. That’s why it’s worth honing the marketable competencies Deborah Tuggle uses, such as excellent judgment, compassion for others who might be struggling, and using your natural creativity to operationalize details.
So, if you’re ready to build lasting relationships to make problem-solving easier and faster, here are ideas + a customizable AI prompt:
* Help anticipate blocking issues
* Respect others’ time by showing up prepared
* Show empathy when competing priorities arise
* Learn how to articulate the financial impact of acting vs. waiting
* Translate requirements into an easy-to-consume checklist
* Escalate issues to the right decision makers
* AI Prompt: Provide a list of ways I can help others solve problems which will elevate my reputation.
Finding smart solutions is tough on a good day, so don’t make it harder by adding attacks and accusations. In its place, develop the ability to marshal the right people at the right time, and you’ll handle challenges like a rock star.