• Home
    • Stmt
    • Planaproject
    • Worksheets
    • Links
  • Services
  • Events
  • Contact
  • About
Menu

Tools not Rules

  • Home
  • Resources
    • Stmt
    • Planaproject
    • Worksheets
    • Links
  • Services
  • Events
  • Contact
  • About

Your staff doesn't want democracy

June 29, 2016

Your teams don't want to be part of every decision. They want clearly articulated goals and values that they can use to solve problems. This first time I was invited to a meeting I was thrilled. I had made it. I felt like an adult. It didn't take long to realize that most meetings were a waste of time, a loop of endless discussion that rarely resulted in decisions. I found myself wishing I could be back at my computer getting things done and one look around the room told me others felt the same way.

Recently someone told me they wanted everyone to be a part of decision making because he wanted them to feel valued. Wasting people's time won't make them feel valued or involved, it only shows how little trust you have in them. 

Everyone voting on everything doesn't work. People don't want to be a part of every decision, they want to be able to their job well, and if you're stuffing your meetings with personnel you're taking them away from their computer/team/studio/workshop where they could be making decisions.

Your employees and teammates want agency over the things that matter to them. Make it clear where each person has the power to demonstrate ownership and trust them to do that. If you don't trust them to make decisions you need to rethink your hiring process and/or your management strategy. Focus on developing common values among your team and give them space to surprise you with solutions.

 

← Become a concept firehoseInterview: Carmine Guida →
  • Communication 25
  • Creativity 13
  • Design Process 29
  • Health 1
  • Interview 14
  • Professional Skills 30
  • Project management 9
  • Resources 3
  • Reviews 2

show your support

I've been writing Tools not Rules since 2014 and I do it because I love this stuff. Know what I ask for? Not a crumb. That said, if you'd like to make a donation...

Donate

Subscribe

It's free! Sign up to receive news and updates about products and special content.

Your personal information will never be shared with anyone.

Thank you!

tweets

  • HADOUKEN!!! @ Hangzhou, China https://t.co/h6QLqQpt6H
    Jun 20, 2019, 5:37 AM
  • I’m considering starting a new IG account: Kids in Woks. @ 乌镇 Wūzhèn Watertown https://t.co/geMFznqJSk
    Jun 18, 2019, 3:53 AM
  • I want a reverse ATM here in China. Activate using a QR code then input cash to have it automatically deposited in your Alipay account.
    Jun 18, 2019, 2:29 AM
  • I vote YES for more mirrored public art. @ 乌镇 Wūzhèn Watertown https://t.co/6Fe3fXfz4x
    Jun 18, 2019, 2:28 AM

All content © Tools Not Rules 2016