Make The Case, Not The Call

Most people involved in almost any type of leadership in almost any type of organization know that it's often like herding cats. On a good day!

I was reminded of that recently when I didn't handle a management situation as well as I could have. Hey, leadership coaches aren't perfect. We're still learning too. But it reminded me of a sports analogy (I'm a guy), and maybe a better way of communicating a concept crucial to good leadership and effective management.

In sports, you have a coach (coaches) and players. Coaches generally strategize and players implement. Similar to most organizations. Generally you need both to succeed. Where it gets sticky is when "players" start trying to coach. In the middle of the "game". Then you have a problem. Someone has to have their hand on the wheel. Multiple hands on the wheel usually doesn't work out well. So, what's a Manager to do? Well, during the game - or the most pressure filled times in an organization (during a project, meeting with clients, etc.) - one vision, clearly communicated, is essential.

As Managers and Leaders, we want our team to buy-in to a program, project, change in strategy, whatever. We do well when we utilize the collective wisdom and experience surrounding us. What we're trying to do is avoid conflict, confusion, frustration (my recent experience), and often times, failure. How do we include all team members in the decision-making process? Or do we?

How about this. At the appropriate time (not with :06 seconds on the clock, down a score), we tell our team members to "Make the case, not the call." Give them the opportunity to present their thoughts. Make the case. I'm not sure it really matters whether that is publicly or privately at first, but I could be wrong. Make the case. I'll listen. But, the call has to remain with Management. (It's an entirely different issue when a person has been given the responsibility to make "the call" in the absence of a direct manager or supervisor).

At some point a Manager or Leader is going to tell the team what play to run, and an organization will sink or swim with that decision. Encouraging input - in a proper context - will provide influence to a Manager, and buy-in from the team. And hopefully, a more successful organization.

Rah, rah, sis boom bah!