Just do it

Have you noticed that when you ask the team to take on a task, some people might jump in and succeed, others not so much? Let’s focus on those who don’t jump in.

Tip: Did you know that one of the biggest reasons we don’t do (insert task or goal here) is a fear of failure?

How to spot fear of failure

• Resistance “I don't want to…”
• Self sabotage "“I’ll get to it…” or some form of procrastination.
• Low self-esteem “I can’t because…”
• Perfection “I need more answers, time, resources” (my regular readers who catch my typos, you know I do not suffer from perfectionist!)

What to do about it?

Present your idea.

Ask for their input.

Listen to their responses and then ask for what they need to overcome the challenge.

Recognize their needs and offer support and encouragement along the way.

 It might sound like this:

You:  Good news, we’ve found a way to simplify the invoice process. Starting next week, we will all enter the type of request in the order form.

Captain Resistor:  “I can’t because I’m too busy to add anything else to what I do.  You keep telling me that I should be producing more throughout the day, this will slow me down”

(Notice how I added some hot buttons to get you annoyed?)  Breathe

You:  I appreciate (was that part hard?) you working towards meeting your productivity numbers.  Simplifying our invoice process is important for all of us. How much extra time do you think you will need to enter the type of request?

Captain Resistor: “I don’t know, I haven't tried it yet”

You:  Why don’t we try it for a day and then meet to see what the impact is?

Captain Resistor:  “Okay, but don’t penalize me if my numbers are down!”

The conversation will continue a little longer, but look how we got Captain Resistor to at least try.  Use positive reinforcement to build on that success.

'Cause I said so

You will be asking your team to change something today, this week or this month. That's probably the only thing that's not changing.  Are you getting resistance?  

Why not try a little improv from the actor's studio.  Here's how it works.  In improv, whatever the other person says, you reply with yes and...  

This helps the actors work together to build a story and is more effective than blocking it with a no, or because I said so, or because 'they' say we have to.

You:  Hey team, starting today we are going to use blue paper for invoices. We've discovered that blue is a calming color and people will be faster to pay.  Using blue paper will save you some of the follow up calls you've told me you don't like.

Team:  What!  I like the white paper!

You:  Yes and white is a nice color.  Blue is more calming.

Team:  What will will do with all the leftover white paper?

You: Yes and I'm glad you brought that up.  Let's brainstorm some options.

That sounds more collaborative doesn't it? 

Ya, I'm Gonna Need the TPS Report

Want somebody to do something for you? 
Consider these pointers...

Explain your request. Aim to be factual and avoid the words “you need to”.
Explain the why Adding the reasoning or sharing your goal adds logic and incentive.
Offer a choice. People like to feel in control. When you offer a choice or provide an option you allow them to feel in control.
Walk away. Walking away after giving them a choice gives them a chance to think, and that’s when the engagement clicks in.

Here's what it might sound like...

Before: “Sheldon you need to get that report to me today by 2pm”
After: “Hey Sheldon, the client is calling later today to see what numbers we came up with. That’s why the report is so important. Let me know if you want to talk to the client when they call at 2pm or if you want to give me the report before that and I’ll take the call”