Articles

Edgy Teamwork by Challenging Ideas, Not People

Tuesday, 23 February 2010 08:10

Sometimes when a team is performing really well and hitting its goals and targets, it can get into “group think”, where everyone just agrees, even if it is lousy idea! So it is important to be able to challenge ideas in a high performing team. At times, those who resist your ideas will undoubtedly outnumber your supporters at first, but persistence pays off. Begin by challenging “the way we’ve always done it.”

At the same time, you may find it uncomfortable to challenge those in authority, such as the boss. It’s a natural feeling. The trick is to challenge assumptions, not the individuals in positions of power. Focus on ideas, not personalities.

Push Back

Not all bosses want to be led. Some fear their authority will be undermined. Others are so insecure that leadership from below is a threat that must be stamped out at all cost.

These obstacles shouldn’t prevent you from trying to lead your boss, when appropriate.

Observe the following guidelines:

· Stick with the facts. Build your arguments with evidence. Make sure your research is on point.

· Ask others to challenge your premise. Before presenting your ideas to your boss, find people who can play devil’s advocate and explore your assumptions.

· Don’t confuse causation with correlation. Just because there’s a link between two issues doesn’t mean one provoked the other.

In some cases, all of the best data in the world won’t convince your boss that you’re right. If he is a ‘jerk’ or a ‘dickhead’, he’s probably insecure. He acts tough because he’s afraid of losing his job and control over others.

Dickhead bosses cannot be reasoned with, so don’t even try. You can roll over, fight back or leave. Choose wisely.

Bounce Back

Ultimately, what really matters is how we recover when things don’t go our way.

Resilience gives you the strength you need when faced with rejection.

Review:

· What happened?

· What could I have done better?

· What did I learn?

The resilience to bounce back from a raw deal distinguishes those who succeed from those who become stuck, bitter and angry.

Remain focused on goals and engaged in the process of fulfilling them.

With thanks: Coach2Coach Newsletter, February 3 2010.