Less time on value (solution), more time on questions (problem)
One of my favorite books to read this year was Marshall Goldsmith’s What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful.
One of most valuable lessons from the book is about “providing value.” In some cases, it is the worst thing you can do.
What is the problem with adding too much value? It would seem like it would be better for all concerned if our ideas were always improved upon. It’s not. Imagine an energetic, enthusiastic employee comes into your office with an idea. She excitedly shares the idea with you.”
This part is where you offer encouragement. Encourage ideas and resist the urge to give more value by adding your domain experience.
Often, we don’t, and we end up falling into the trap you see here.
You think it’s a great idea. Instead of saying, “Great idea!” you say, “That’s a nice idea. Why don’t you add this to it?” What does this do? It deflates her enthusiasm; it dampers her commitment. While the quality of the idea may go up 5 percent, her commitment to execute it may go down 50 percent. That’s because it’s no longer her idea, it’s now your idea.
Instead of looking to control or “level up” the solution, take the opportunity to challenge them with problems. Trust they have the solutions to solve them.
You, they, and the project end up better for it.
From the desk of Adam Thomas 