Is it better to spot the problem or solve it?
Neither. Both are crucial.
Few cultures repress those who innovate and lead the charge towards a different way of doing things. In fact, we laud people with the personal power to confront issues, stand up, and carry things through to their conclusion.
But the skill of solving problems is nothing without guidance. Without a second, crucial – but often misunderstood – ability…
The capacity to identify challenges while they’re still small.
Of course, bringing issues to light is only half the battle.
As well as having the insight to spot challenges when they’re small, we want to find people – and be people – who are capable of identifying solutions.
Far more important than simply crying wolf is being able to do something about the threat.
Bottom line:
A culture that rewards surfacing problems & contributions towards solving them will thrive.
Cultures that punish whistleblowers and push people towards sweeping things under the rug will fail. Because when you feel you’ll suffer consequences for speaking up, you’ll leave it to someone else.
The freedom to speak freely is a key ingredient to psychological safety. When you provide an environment where people can say what’s on their mind, they’ll say what they need to. Before it’s too late.
A team that holds back because they’re afraid of what will happen if they’re honest? Their days together are numbered.
Problems grow as large as they have to in order to be dealt with.
If you want to preserve your progress, don’t prioritise silence. Don’t incentivise it. Encourage honesty.
A genuine commitment to identifying problems, solving them early, and maintaining flow can take a team through almost anything.
If it takes a crisis to start behaving properly, don’t be surprised when one lands on your doorstep.