2 Thoughts - Trust & Micromanagement

#1: The Absence of Trust

Patrick Lencioni has a fantastic (short) book called The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team.  The first dysfunction?  The absence of trust.

Now that the fun of "annual planning" is over and we're into the doldrums of Q1, how would you rate your trust level among your leaders?  Are they getting it done?  Do you feel like you have to micromanage?

Start by assuming positive intent, and that they ARE the right fit for the role.  (That's actually the most critical part of trust.  Wish them well and have their back). 

Do they have too much on their plate?  Are you dictating too tightly how they accomplish it?  Are you micromanaging and not delegating?  

The art of delegation requires..

1) that you remember what assets they bring to the team and give them work that suits it (don't throw everything and the kitchen sink at them)

2) you both agree very clearly on the goal AND the timeline, and...

3) you get out of their way and support them, even if it isn't exactly how you would do it.

(Pictured above are a few of our swim coaching staff at league championships this weekend. This season had 170+ kids, 7 senior and 7 junior coaches. There's no way any single one of us could get it all done, but together we had a phenomenal season built on mutual respect and trust.)

#2: Questions to Ask Yourself

Which of my leaders could have the most dramatic impact on my organization if I trusted them more?  Where can I make some time this week to get on the same page with them?