Monday Mood: A few things I have learned along the way

 

Never worry about making a bad decision. Consider the facts and make the best decision based on what you know at the time. Everyone makes a bad decision once in a while. 

Bad choices are almost always a result of things that were un-knowable at the time the choice was made. 

When you delegate a project, select the best person for the job, and then trust them.  I learned this one the hard way, when I first asked someone to take on a task, I was constantly looking over their shoulder and making suggestions such as "I would do it this way." A dear friend called me aside and said, "delegate and trust, they won't screw it up any worse than you would."  He was so right. 

Resist the urge to micromanage.  This is hard for control freaks to do. Be available to mentor, but leave people alone to sink or swim. Some of them are going to mess up - probably a sign that you picked the wrong person for the job - so really you messed up. 

Welcome everyone. For some showing up, is pushing themselves. 

Learn how to apologize. 

• Clearly describe what went wrong.
• Excuses cancel out the value of the apology 
• Take responsibility (even if it was not your responsibility) 
• Express your regrets clearly
• If there is anything you can do to remedy the situation describe it
• Express a commitment to doing better in the future.

A heartfelt apology goes a long way in making people feel better. It takes strength to apologize. Failing to apologize is a sign of weakness or lack of character. Apologize for things that happened on your watch, even if you didn't personally make the mistake. Back in the good old days (BC - before covid) when organizations hired trainers to do onsite workshops, I spent an afternoon learning and practicing apology.