Do you know that feeling of wanting to get something done and it’s moving soooo slowly? 🐌
And it’s usually because of all the people involved.
What’s a results-driven leader to do?
I remember those moments of frustration when I was a project leader: “Why do I have to convince all these stakeholders?” “It’s a great idea – why can’t we just move ahead?”
And then I realized I’d have to move beyond what had made me successful in the past – focusing on the task, working independently, and solving problems quickly – to try something new.
Here’s how I learned to move from frustration to collaboration:
1️⃣ Redefine what the “work” really is.
For many of us, our jobs become something different without us even realizing it: growing and maintaining the interpersonal interactions that will benefit our team or our business. When I finally accepted this, it became easier to choose how to use my time.
2️⃣ Make time for the necessary interactions….
…even (or especially) with the stakeholders who disagree. Per the first point, these interactions aren’t a sideshow or waste of time – they are the real deal.
3️⃣ Put myself in the other’s shoes – sometimes literally.
Well, not the shoes. Maybe their head. I’d sit in meetings and reflect on how a certain stakeholder might react to our proposal. And then I’d go ask them to find out.
This was my journey as a leader. I hope it helps you find the results you are seeking.
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