Field notes
Field Notes
Our daily Field Notes email is just the kind of jumpstart you need. A fast read. Maybe less than a minute. Because sometimes it just takes one insight to change the trajectory of the day.
Search Field Notes
A leader who extends their authority or influence beyond acceptable limits is said to be “overreaching.” This often happens when a leader makes decisions outside of their purview, takes control over situations or people with whom they have no authority, or takes actions well beyond their expertise.
When performers, athletes, or team members almost achieve a desired outcome but fall just short, it is critical for leaders to provide just the right feedback that will inspire greater effort for the next performance. People naturally experience a motivational boost when they are on the edge of success, as a sense of hope and continued effort seem all that is needed for victory. This is when they need the help of their leader to galvanize that view and push them to work even harder.
Leaders depend on the team and specific team members to do their jobs and get things done. Priorities shift, but to achieve the outcomes everyone wants, team members must execute on what needs to be done. Unfortunately, this execution doesn’t always happen to the satisfaction of the leader. Sometimes, the quality or effort is low. Other times, team members don’t act quickly enough or fail to meet a timeline. Frustrated leaders must figure out how to motivate the team to improve. Far too often, they engage in what is called Blame and Shame.
Tom Kim is one of the best golfers in the world. Kim is currently ranked 36th and played all four days of the Master’s Golf Tournament last weekend.
Kim’s playing partner on Saturday morning was a stand-in. You couldn’t find the guy’s name in the tournament program, and he wasn’t permitted to give interviews. His name wasn’t announced on the first tee, and his caddie’s uniform didn’t have anything on it that identified him. He was a complete mystery to anyone who might have seen him walk down the fairway with Kim. Each year, this mysterious man who plays Augusta National on the weekends as a member gets to play in the tournament without ever qualifying for the field. The Club doesn’t talk about him, and the broadcast crews are instructed not to show him on camera. So, who in the world is this guy?
Some leaders can’t stop themselves from disclosing too much. They make others feel awkward and uncomfortable whenever they share too many personal issues and details. They may mistakenly believe people will feel more connected to them, or perhaps they share too much to elicit sympathy or caring. Whatever the case, when leaders reveal too much about themselves, team members get a creepy feeling that undermines their confidence and trust.
Colleagues, peers, team members, and leaders come in all sizes, shapes, and motivations. Some can be trusted, and some can’t. Others can be counted on to agree, while some will always take an oppositional view. Knowing the motivations of those who surround you is critical to your long-term success. The world would be a better place if everyone were in support of everyone else and deserved to be trusted.