Month: February 2024

leadership dot #4191: overtime

February 19, 2024February 18, 2024by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

So much is at stake in the Super Bowl. You would think that with the top prize on the line, the coaches and players would do everything possible to bring home the trophy…you know, everything like make sure the players knew the rules of the game they are paid millions to play. Apparently, that didn’t happen.

For reasons I don’t understand, the NFL instituted new rules for overtime during the playoffs. The Chiefs players knew about them and reviewed them beginning in training camp. The 49ers coaches were aware, but never prepped the players, one of whom admitted learning about it from the Jumbotron during the Super Bowl!” Inconceivable.

Don’t work overtime focusing on the fancy. Fundamentals are fundamental for a reason.

leadership dot #4190: prompt

February 18, 2024February 16, 2024by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

I recently read and thoroughly enjoyed Remarkably Bright Creatures, a novel about friendship narrated by a curmudgeonly octopus. (Trust me, it works!)

I wondered how author Shelby Van Pelt came up with such an unusual premise — then I learned that she connected the dots! She had recently watched a YouTube video about a captive octopus picking open a locked box to obtain the treat inside. So, when a writing workshop prompted her to write from an unexpected point of view, well, Marcellus was born and the bestseller list followed.

While you may not need a writing prompt to start your next novel, the concept can work in many other situations. Think of an unexpected point of view for your next gift-giving occasion, your newsletter article, or your first PowerPoint slide. It’s an easy way to trigger your creative brain and create something special.

Source: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, 2022

leadership dot #4189: inputs

February 17, 2024February 14, 2024by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

Several restaurants I frequent do a robust take-out/delivery business. While it’s good for them, it seems that they have a hard time fulfilling the in-person orders while also trying to prepare the to-go orders in a timely fashion. It’s the modern-day version of retailers trying to answer the phone quickly while still helping the customer in front of them.

Organizations that have multiple inputs may be best served by having distinct processes to handle the different channels. Let a crew handle online orders only. Have someone dedicated to handling chat and online messaging while others address in-person customer needs. Designate a person to answer the phones and another to be a welcoming receptionist. Different inputs require different strategies for successful outputs.

leadership dot #4188: whiteboard

February 16, 2024February 14, 2024by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

My ideal office would have floor-to-ceiling whiteboards where I could keep running lists, draw concepts, explain things to others, and still have room to use it as a magnet board full of cartoons and reminders. Alas, my setup only allows for a modest size board, but I do notice them in other venues.

At one organization, the portable whiteboards in the conference room seemed to have been heavily used — and neglected. The boards weren’t washed and many of the markers didn’t work (as people have an inexplicable habit of trying to use a marker but when it doesn’t work, putting it back on the ledge instead of tossing it, leaving someone who does a cursory check to think the boards are well-equipped).

At another organization, the boards are always spotless, but the users are required to bring their own markers and erasers! Still another organization has multiple portable whiteboards available for individuals or small groups to use on the spot to visually capture an idea or plan.

Whiteboards tell stories. The presence and messiness (or lack of) also give you clues about the culture. They may signal a collaborative and creative environment where sharing is encouraged. They may show gaps in infrastructure where no one tends to it until problems occur. An ill-equipped board may be another symptom of frugalness where staff aren’t given the resources to effectively do their jobs.

I use a whiteboard in almost every setting where it is available. Putting pen-to-board helps me clarify my thoughts and make them more tangible for others to understand. I also use them for clues about the organization itself. Pay attention to what the boards can say to you — whether via what’s written on them or not.

leadership dot #4187: step-by-step

February 15, 2024February 14, 2024by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

So much information is formatted to be step-by-step. GPS tells you exactly when to turn. Lego kits come with instructions instead of just a bag of bricks. YouTube and Google spell out directions for how to do everything from fixing your broken plumbing to how to open a jar lid. Software updates guide you to this >> that >> this.

I am saddened by how few situations require us to genuinely think on our own. It reminds me of the Red Flower story where a little boy received specific instructions from his teacher so often that when he went to a new school and was given the freedom to draw anything he drew the same thing he had been drawing instead.

Mindlessly following the leader has ramifications that spill over into politics and other aspects of life. If we’re not thinking for ourselves, it’s not only easier but maybe even expected, that someone will tell us how to vote or what is good/bad. At work, we can get in the habit of doing what we’ve always done rather than question why. We take what we see on social media at face value instead of verifying facts.

I know someone who just drove across the country utilizing maps instead of GPS. You may not need to go to that extreme but try to inject a few think-for-yourself exercises into your day. Break free from the step-by-step to create your own dance routine.

leadership dot #4186: supporters

February 14, 2024February 13, 2024by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

There were wonderful musical contributions at a church service, and the musicians themselves were rightly appreciated for their talents — but much of what makes them look good comes from the wizardry of the control board and the person who ensures the right sound and lighting enhancements to the music. These technicians are never invited to bow at the conclusion of a performance, even though their skills are essential to the overall experience.

It happens with tech crews at all types of shows, but also with equipment managers in sporting events, speechwriters and analysts for politicians, lab assistants, medical techs, delivery people, and hundreds of other supporting roles that make the work of front-of-the-house professionals possible.

Today as you’re sharing love, spread some appreciation for the behind-the-scenes people who are the backbone of most operations. The world wouldn’t work without them.

leadership dot #4185: draining

February 13, 2024February 12, 2024by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

There’s often a problem employee who sucks a disproportionate amount of energy from teammates and the person responsible for supervising them. Whether due to poor performance, a toxic attitude, drama, or indifference, much time is spent trying to “manage” this person and help them comply with organizational norms.

Of course, a good supervisor will coach the employee and candidly discuss where changes in output or mindset are required to succeed. But if the person is still not contributing at an acceptable level after a valiant effort to course correct, the supervisor needs to reduce the amount of their time spent on the issue.

Struggling employees eat up time — working with human resources, documenting issues, meeting with the employee, listening to complaints from others, fixing the implications of their non-performance, venting to a confidante about the stress the employee is causing, and strategizing about what to do next. If no progress is being made, it’s non-productive time for the supervisor who could (should) be working on other things.

If you are managing someone who is challenged, you have two paths: first, attempt to maximize the gain (by helping them succeed), and if that fails, then strive to minimize the drain on you and your team. Rehashing the issues over and over gets you nowhere.

leadership dot #4184: reconsider

February 12, 2024February 11, 2024by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

I previously wrote about Applebee’s Date Night pass and my failed attempt to obtain one (dot #4164). It seems that many were upset by being in a similar situation, so the restaurant offered a Round 2 with 1,000 more passes available through a random drawing. I did not even bother to enter.

Delta Airlines also required a re-do when it announced changes to its American Express card benefits and access to Sky Clubs. There was such an uproar that the CEO sent a message to all cardholders and the airline revised its proposed plans. But if the changes didn’t make cardholders upset, surely the $100/year annual fee increase to pay for the “enhanced” benefits did nothing to endear them to Delta or AMEX.

Both Applebee’s and Delta were forced to reconsider their promotions when they caused more ill will than gains. I wonder how widely the original plans were vetted and whether that input occurred outside the board room or marketing agency. What can seem like a good idea to insiders may not land as well with those impacted. Best to find that out before you announce it widely.

leadership dot #4183: plugged

February 11, 2024February 10, 2024by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

It’s easy to think that wearing earplugs only happens when someone wants to totally block out sound — of a snoring partner, an airplane engine, a chatty seatmate. But a new version of the standard tool is designed to protect ears — while allowing sound to come through. Specifically designed for bartenders, these plugs claim to “evenly reduce noise while preserving sound quality, making it easy for bartenders to have conversations.” I can think of other situations where this is precisely the combination that would be most useful.

Bartender earplugs are another example of things not having to be all or nothing. It’s not 100% noise, nor is it 100% blocked out. Finding the nuances of the grey range is more difficult than achieving either end of the spectrum but it can sound just right if you land there.

leadership dot #4182: dragon

February 10, 2024February 8, 2024by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

Happy New Year!

While the turning of the calendar happened last month for the Gregorian calendar, today is the first of the year for the Lunar calendar, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. Lunar New Year used to be an obscure occurrence, but the holiday has recently gained more mainstream attention. Walmart has a full display of decorations, Hallmark makes a line of Lunar New Year cards, and even TJX has gotten in on the merchandising.

While you may be inclined to let the day pass without notice, holidays such as this are great occasions to learn about another culture. Take a moment to read about taboos to avoid today, traditions for the 16-day celebration, or other facts about the holiday.

Wishing you good fortune in the year ahead.