Putting it all in Context
In my experience, twelve year old kids do not like to run laps. In fact, most dislike it quite intensely. This learning is based on a large amount of feedback I got from the girls on my daughter’s soccer team after our first few practices, which always started with a half hour of stretching and running. Also, in my experience, twelve year old girls are not bashful (or kind) about sharing their feedback, which in this case ranged from “why are we doing this boring stuff instead of playing soccer” to “I hate this” and even “you’re a mean coach and I wish I wasn’t on your team.” Kids have not yet mastered the subtleties of giving constructive feedback.
I realize now that I’d committed a cardinal sin of coaching by not providing context when leading a team. When you don’t provide your team with context, they’ll often make their own assumptions about the underlying reason for why you are telling them to do something…and these assumptions can sometimes be inaccurate. In retrospect, I should have explained to the girls that we start each practice with stretching and running because it helps us avoid injuries and get in shape so we won’t get tired out during actual games. And that the underlying objective is thus to win more games (which in turn leads to more shiny trophies and pizza parties). I should have provided the important context that I wasn’t making them run laps (just) because I’m mean.
Providing context is even more important at work, and something that managers have a tendency to overlook, especially when things are hectic. It’s easy to just start barking out orders and telling people the specific tasks that you want them to do. This may seem effective, as your team members will typically do what you tell them to do. But without context, they probably won’t do it as effectively as they might have, and they almost certainly won’t find as much meaning and fulfillment in doing the work. The output you get will often be rote and uninspiring, and lacking in creativity and nuance. If folks don’t know the underlying reason why they are doing something, they’re unlikely to be able to provide much value-add to the work.
There are lots of reasons why it is worth making the effort to provide your teams and colleagues with full context for the things you are asking of them. In particular:
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That’s the why of context, so now let's talk about the how:
Remember, not everyone was in all the meetings that you attended when the topic was discussed. Not everyone knows the full history or background of the problem we’re trying to solve. Not everyone has a complete understanding of why you’re asking them to work on something. It’s incumbent on you as a colleague, manager or leader to provide that important context. And if you ever find yourself coaching a middle school girls soccer team, remember that the most popular coaches are the ones that take the time to provide context (and bring snacks).?
Retired at U.s. army
1 年Irrelevant . Your words , hypocrisy, and pure hatred towers the people who earn the money to pay your paycheck is unreal. Discernable discrimination, the ficticious goals is all just for show. Your jobs are meaningless with out the drivers. There big changes coming your way because humanity isn't going to allow the circus to keep robbing from us much longer. All you will inevitably be dropped by uber to appease public considerations. You will be just as expendable as us. Can't wait to see you eye level. Waiting to say I told you so. But I don't wish it on anybody to suffer as it's drivers have. I pray you all are allowed to continue the spectacle you pretend is work. Your mice too.
Product @ YouTube
1 年One thing I really miss about Uber, those Coaches Corner emails from you!
I help overwhelmed solopreneurs streamline operations and get more done by providing flexible virtual assistance for administrative and marketing tasks - freeing up their time for growth.
1 年Great advice on providing context! Can't wait to check out your e-book.
Video editor for multiple 7-figure businesses
1 年Your insights on providing context are invaluable! ??