When I think about the work I do with the organisations, teams and individuals, it usually lands in one of 4 levels. Imagine this as a pyramid.
At the bottom in the red zone is the micromanager. The key word here is CONTROL. This is the manager that can't let go of work, or hands work over then tracks everything the other person is doing to make sure that task is done exactly as they want it to be done. This leads to teams being considered inept, the manager is drowning in the amount of work they are doing or supervising, and the culture is corrosive.
The myths that exist at this level are:
- I’ve tried everything, yet the team is still stuck’.
- 'If I don’t do it, it won’t be done right’.
- 'I need to make sure they are doing the work the 'right way''
The truth is that micromanagers cause stress for their team. I know that’s probably not you.
In the amber zone is the manager. Once you recognise that there is always something else you can do means you are looking at more CAPABILITY for you and your team. At this level thinking is transactional, the manager is still overwhelmed with so much to do, and the team can be working in isolation from each other which leads to a disconnected culture.
In the light green zone is the coach. At this level there’s often a myth that managers use that 'I’m OK, I’m doing well enough and better than most – so it is OK to stay here and be ‘good enough’. At this level the manager is being effective, capable with a culture of accountability. It's not a bad place to be. However 'good enough' TRAPS you as you believe you have all the answers and it takes COURAGE to move beyond this and become vulnerable enough to leverage others' thinking. It's OK to say 'I don't know ...'.
In the dark green zone is the leader. At this level the leader is transformational and masterful. The culture is co-creative. They lead with CONVICTION. The truth here is that the leader is always asking questions, exploring ideas by being curious and tapping into the potential of their team.
What would it look like for you if you could be in this dark green zone? How would it change how you and your team perform?
Remember, if you believe you have tried everything you’ll stay stuck in the red zone.
Contact me if you would like to explore how to move towards the dark green zone.