Embrace, Cultivate & Adapt
We’re on the tail end of implementing a new piece of software and as I was running a report yesterday, something seemed a bit off. The usually reliable report which I use every single month and has been triple checked in past months for accuracy didn’t seem accurate at all. Earlier that day, I had reviewed some other information from a separate source and in my mind, what I was looking at now from this report was not the same. I did a little investigating and indeed, something definitely wasn’t working like it was supposed to work. (And I was secretly hoping that something wasn’t my brain!)
I ran the problem by a few other expert users and they confirmed as well that clearly something was up. So I submitted a ticket for a fix and to my surprise, the answer (at least for now) was that’s just how the software works and you’ll have to try running the report a different way. The error I encountered in this report and the fact that it couldn’t really be fixed was hardly the person’s fault who tried to help me fix it and it truly is a limitation of the software, but it reminded me of a few leadership principles when we butt up against a wall that seems immovable.
We have to embrace and learn from limitations. We must acknowledge and accept that limitations exist, whether they are within your team, your organization, or the tools you use. For someone who is stubborn like me, this is hard to admit because I am so sure there has to be a way, but sometimes, there just isn’t. Leaders need to acknowledge and accept limitations to avoid wasting time and energy fighting against the inevitable.
You can cultivate a culture of open communication and collaboration by encouraging open and honest communication within your team, fostering a culture where individuals feel comfortable raising concerns and seeking help. When we proactively seek input from other expert users, this collaborative approach not only validates our concerns but also helps identify the issue more quickly. Leaders should create an environment where team members feel empowered to share their perspectives and collaborate effectively. What is not okay is when we encounter an issue in the workplace, (or even in our homes) and we decide to broadcast it from the rooftops about how broken a situation is and we’re doing everything but seeking a solution to the issue. It’s also important to avoid hopping on the gossip train, especially when issues that arise that are personal matters.
Are you able to find creative solutions and adapt? When faced with obstacles, it is extremely helpful to foster a mindset of adaptability and creativity. If we explore alternative approaches and find innovative solutions to overcome challenges, everyone wins. The initial solution (accepting the software limitation) may not have been ideal; however, it prompted me to explore alternative methods of generating the necessary information. Leaders need to encourage their teams to think outside the box and find creative solutions to navigate challenges and achieve desired outcomes.
These leadership principles serve as a foundation for continuous improvement, encouraging teams to learn from setbacks, adapt to changing circumstances, and strive for excellence in all endeavors. How are you embracing, cultivating and adapting in your leadership experiences?