Leaders, Stop F%#ing Around! Set and Enforce Standards.

“Great leaders set standards and refuse to compromise on them.” – Steve Jobs        

Leaders, we need to talk. There's a peculiar epidemic sweeping through boardrooms and Zoom meetings alike: a baffling reluctance to set and enforce standards. It’s like trying to run a circus without bothering to train the clowns. You wouldn't skip the safety net at a trapeze act, so why would you skip setting clear standards in your organization?

Let's be real: standards are the backbone of any organization. They’re the invisible force keeping everything from devolving into chaos. Think of them as the ‘rules of engagement’ for your team. Without them, you might as well be trying to herd cats in a room full of laser pointers.

Yet, here we are, with leaders hesitating like they’re being asked to juggle flaming torches. “But I don't want to be the bad guy,” they say. Newsflash: You’re already the bad guy if your team doesn’t know what’s expected of them. You’re the reason Jane from accounting keeps sending emails written in Comic Sans and Bob in marketing thinks “ASAP” means “whenever I feel like it.” Standards aren’t about micromanaging every breath your team takes; they’re about providing clarity. They tell your people, “This is how we do things around here. This is what good looks like.”

The Case for Setting Standards:

?? Consistency: Standards ensure everyone is on the same page. Imagine a football team where each player has their own playbook. Chaos, right?

?? Communication: They eliminate ambiguity. Your team shouldn’t need a crystal ball to figure out what success looks like.

?? Accountability: They provide a clear measure for performance. When goals are unmet, it’s not personal – it’s about the standards.

?? Excellence: They drive improvement. Without benchmarks, how will you know if you're raising the bar or just hopping over it?

The Consequences of Avoiding Standards:

• Unproductive Meetings: Without clear expectations, meetings become the corporate equivalent of a time-sucking black hole.
• Declining Quality: Without standards, the quality of work starts to look like an amateur’s first attempt at interpretive dance – interesting but not quite right.
• Increased Stress: Your team isn’t psychic. Without clear guidelines, they’ll be in a constant state of uncertainty, second-guessing their every move.

How to Set Standards (Without Feeling Like a Tyrant):

1?? Be Clear: Clearly communicate what is expected. Ambiguity is the enemy of productivity.

2?? Be Consistent: Apply standards uniformly. Your team will follow your lead if they see you’re serious about them.

3?? Be Open: Solicit feedback. Standards should evolve based on what works and what doesn’t.

4?? Be Supportive: Provide resources and training. Setting a standard without giving your team the tools to meet it is like asking someone to build a house with a butter knife.

5?? Be Encouraging: Recognize and reward adherence to standards. Positive reinforcement isn’t just for puppies – it works for teams too.

So, leaders, it’s time to step up. Setting and enforcing standards isn’t about being draconian; it’s about being effective. It’s about ensuring your team has the guidance they need to succeed without turning your workplace into a free-for-all. Let’s leave the juggling to the circus performers and start managing with clarity and purpose.