Such a good read with a lot of useful nuance, Dan. And yes, it really comes down to “whether leaders are ready to redesign workplaces.” Hard when the stats say that managers spend less than 15% of their time leading and coaching.
Are those really the stats? That’s pretty grim, haha. oof!
I keep coming back to a gardening analogy because when I look at a plant and it looks like it’s dying my first thought is “more water, less water, fertilizer” not “maybe this plant needs new soil.”
And I think that’s the workplace redesign argument. We can water our employees, give them a multivitamin, a red bull, and a pizza party - but that isn’t the long term solution. Anyways… I love talking about this stuff.
Me too! I don’t often find people to geek out with on all things leadership behavior. I could go on and on about it all day. Especially as I am working on my upcoming book, Disengaged. Funny you mention the gardening analogy, I like that one too:
I enjoyed reading this, Dan, I really like the practical advice. And also your whiteboard pictures as I’m quite a visual person!
There’s a tendency to assume one manager can’t make a difference in a complex corporate system that has many of the flaws you’ve identified.
My experience has been different - I’ve seen some team members thriving under leaders who can do this well, alongside others falling apart whilst working in the same department but for a different manager. The role of each individual leader is critically important.
And if you can get a whole team of great leaders.. well that’s when an organisation is really going to feel lift off!
Such a good read with a lot of useful nuance, Dan. And yes, it really comes down to “whether leaders are ready to redesign workplaces.” Hard when the stats say that managers spend less than 15% of their time leading and coaching.
Thanks Tanu :)
Are those really the stats? That’s pretty grim, haha. oof!
I keep coming back to a gardening analogy because when I look at a plant and it looks like it’s dying my first thought is “more water, less water, fertilizer” not “maybe this plant needs new soil.”
And I think that’s the workplace redesign argument. We can water our employees, give them a multivitamin, a red bull, and a pizza party - but that isn’t the long term solution. Anyways… I love talking about this stuff.
Me too! I don’t often find people to geek out with on all things leadership behavior. I could go on and on about it all day. Especially as I am working on my upcoming book, Disengaged. Funny you mention the gardening analogy, I like that one too:
https://substack.com/@tanutiwari/note/c-253248707?r=82jafo&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
A book in the works!? I sent you a DM. Must. know. more.
I enjoyed reading this, Dan, I really like the practical advice. And also your whiteboard pictures as I’m quite a visual person!
There’s a tendency to assume one manager can’t make a difference in a complex corporate system that has many of the flaws you’ve identified.
My experience has been different - I’ve seen some team members thriving under leaders who can do this well, alongside others falling apart whilst working in the same department but for a different manager. The role of each individual leader is critically important.
And if you can get a whole team of great leaders.. well that’s when an organisation is really going to feel lift off!