The 'Manage It Like That' Syndrome
An oldie but a goodie! This article by Editi Effiong sparked a wave of memories from my own experiences running businesses in Nigeria. The concept of "managing it like that" perfectly captures a challenge we all face: avoiding the trap of mediocrity.
In today's competitive environment, "good enough" simply doesn't cut it. This seemingly harmless phrase, often thrown around when faced with less-than-ideal situations, can subtly cultivate a culture of "just get by." But as leaders, we know this approach is a recipe for stagnation.
"Manage it like that" implies a passive acceptance of mediocrity, a reluctance to push boundaries and strive for excellence. It sends a clear message to your team: meeting the bare minimum is sufficient. This stifles innovation, discourages initiative, and ultimately breeds a team of employees who simply coast.
Nigerian businesses, known for their resilience and hustle, deserve better!?
We need leaders who inspire excellence, not settle for "good enough." Here are some strategies I've found super helpful to keep our team from falling into the dreaded "manage it like that" trap
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Remember, excellence is a journey, not a destination. There might be setbacks here and there but by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, setting high standards, and empowering your team, you can turn "manage it like that" into a distant memory. Excellence is the only path to sustainable success.
What has been one of the ‘manage it like that’ situations you’ve experienced? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
All my best,
Head of Operations at Fusion Intelligence Technologies
5 个月Gosh! And sometimes you look like a human with two heads when you insist on doing it the way it should be. Fine Boys is such a fine read. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to finding out your next read ??
Chief Human Resources Officer C-Suite Executive | HR Expert | DEI Leader | Change Management | Organization Effectiveness | Board Member
5 个月It’s become a part of the lingo in every day work and personal life. Aptly translated in Pidgin English as “Manage am like that.” Regardless of the outcome, just “manage am like that.” When artisans deliver bad work, it is “manage am like that.” When leaders deliver subpar results, it is “manage am like that.” When politicians deliver the worst of anything that can’t be counted as anything, it is “manage am like that.” We don’t even see how this expression has creeped into our every day lives. Imbedded in our ways of doing things and translated into accepting mediocrity as “at least he/she try.” We’ve come to accept the distance of “doing it right,” to “doing it however.” It is for these reasons, progress is far fetched, mediocrity is accepted from those who call themselves leaders. Ultimately, there is an invisiblity blurring the lines of both integrity and competence. Anyways, “manage an like that.”
Architect||TEDxSpeaker||13X Author||Founder,BoundlessWomenNetwork.
5 个月Neya Kalu In fact I am currently in a 'Manage it like that' dilema. I recently employed a staff more out of sentiments than for any other reason. I have noticed some skill gaps and I have been thinking to myself 'How do I let this one go? Why not 'manage the lack of relevant skills like that?' Well, I guess I now know exactly what to do. Thanks for sharing.
Connector of Dots | Human Experience Enthusiast | Purposeful Collaborator | Success Coach and Facilitator | Continuous Improvement Champion | Sr. HR Training Specialist | Marine Corp Veteran
5 个月T. E. A. C. H. A wonderful read that I am sure is resonating because we all need a refreshing and rembrance that “When one Teaches, Two Learn!”