When things go wrong or unexpectedly, leaders want to understand what happened. Where was the misstep? What wasn’t anticipated? Why did things go astray? The What Happened? conversation occurs so frequently, it’s a wonder leaders are not more adept at it. Perhaps the conversational skill involved is stunted by the very need for the conversation. When things go awry, it is hard for leaders to remain patient and not allow their frustrations to boil over.
Great points. Navigating through the emotions of a team is difficult. We have to avoid blame and assumptions, yet learn and aspire for continuous improvement (Deming. OUT OF THE CRISIS). I am glad to see this knuckle dragger is doing some stuff right.
Exactly! Understanding why a particular error was made often informs the solution to the problem. But spending any time initially on who contributed to the misstep is a fatal flaw.
There’s plenty of time to do that.
Only after the fire has been doused and the crisis has passed should leaders focus their attention on the responsible parties and deal with them appropriately.
Agree 100%. I would add to keep the focus on solving the problem first, then do the retrospective. I have found that leaders jump to the "what happened" or "what did we learn" while the problem is still unresolved! I'm of the fix it!, then reflect school of thought.
Good morning,
Great points. Navigating through the emotions of a team is difficult. We have to avoid blame and assumptions, yet learn and aspire for continuous improvement (Deming. OUT OF THE CRISIS). I am glad to see this knuckle dragger is doing some stuff right.
Thanks for your time.
Exactly! Understanding why a particular error was made often informs the solution to the problem. But spending any time initially on who contributed to the misstep is a fatal flaw.
There’s plenty of time to do that.
Only after the fire has been doused and the crisis has passed should leaders focus their attention on the responsible parties and deal with them appropriately.
Thank you. Today I learned very important lesson. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Happy to have you tell us so, Bushra!
We welcome your further thoughts and insight in the comments anytime!
Good companion to this entry from last year:
https://admiredleadership.substack.com/p/what-leaders-do-first-in-a-crisis
Yes. Thanks!
Agree 100%. I would add to keep the focus on solving the problem first, then do the retrospective. I have found that leaders jump to the "what happened" or "what did we learn" while the problem is still unresolved! I'm of the fix it!, then reflect school of thought.