![]() If you have ever hit your head really hard, you may be familiar with the bright flash of light followed by a little disorientation, confusion, and dizziness. For those that don't know what I am talking about, consider yourself lucky - it's not a fun experience. Just like it is not a fun experience working with a team where everything is moving along smoothly and then someone starts “can’t-standing” (like grandstanding, but with excessive use of the word can't). When that happens I get all the head injury type symptoms. Followed by a massive headache. I hate that word. Can’t. Just looking at it makes me angry. Can't, Can't, Can't... That word has derailed more projects than any other word in the English language. I’m not sure which word is currently in second place, but I can guarantee its not a close second. Seriously, the human race has successfully placed a human being on the moon and returned them safely to Earth! I'm pretty sure we can do this. As a young facilitator, I used to think some people were put on this planet to make sure nothing progresses. Ever. People who habitually use the word can't are not evil people. They're really not. They can be a huge asset to an improvement team “Wait, what? You mean my co-worker who invents reasons we can't ever change anything at all is an asset to an improvement team?!? Chris, have you lost your mind?” People with this tendency are ultra talented at finding barriers. These are often barriers your team is going to have to overcome anyway. The key is in drawing out those barriers while preventing the language from stalling all of the team’s momentum. Here is a process to make that happen. How to harness the good energy and block out the bad Preparing for the meeting that you anticipate will turn into a “full-on can’t festival”...
During the Meeting...
After the Meeting... Consolidate the ideas into an action plan format, and then congratulate yourself and smile (like an "I just did that" cocky kind of smile). Because you, like Christopher Columbus are a crusader - you just navigated some pretty choppy waters and successfully charted the course for you and your crew to discover the new world. Good work.
6 Comments
Cheryl Wessling
5/10/2016 08:01:30 am
I really like the messaging of changing the impossible to possible. Changing the mindset and perspective feels more palatable to overcoming perceived and real barriers to project work. In addition, the mindset increases engagement of the team to share ideas. From my respected colleagues, I've learned that "can't" means one of two things: 1) I don't want to or 2) I don't know how. Thanks Chris for sharing!!
Reply
Christopher Spranger
5/13/2016 09:41:52 am
Yes, yes, and yes! Thanks for the comment...
Reply
Bryanna
5/10/2016 06:56:29 pm
This is great! I can only hope that one day I can use these tips when truly leading a meeting at work. Something I look forward to! Thanks, Chris!
Reply
Christopher Spranger
5/13/2016 09:27:06 am
You may not have to wait. This same idea can be used with a very small group (even two people, or by yourself!) to shift mindset.
Reply
5/11/2016 12:31:07 pm
Hi Christopher...great blog post on a very common situation. I especially like the practical (and actionable) suggestions you make to help ensure the "can't" mentality won't derail the process.
Reply
Christopher Spranger
5/13/2016 09:23:44 am
Thanks for the feedback Michael! I hope you have an opportunity to use this information - It is amazing how a little structure can really move things forward!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorChristopher M. Spranger, MBA, ASQ MBB Archives
February 2021
Categories
All
Want to receive free tips on how to use Lean Six Sigma to improve your business? |