Behaviors, not theories, solve people-problems.
This is part-two of, “How to Solve People Problems.” Scan part-one here.
How to solve people-problems:
Let’s focus on the people-problem of low morale.
#1. Positive before negative:
Describe high morale.
#2. Negative after positive:
Describe behaviors that create and sustain low morale – behaviors to stop.
#3. Imperfect progress not theory:
Imperfect progress today is better than “perfect” progress tomorrow.
What specifically will you do this morning that takes a bite out of low morale? It has to be seen or heard in order to matter. Try:
Positive orientation:
You’re not solving low morale, you’re building positive morale.
Short-term vision:
At your next management meeting discuss and identify a short-term vision. For example, Create an environment where people love coming to work.
Setup imperfect progress:
Take fifteen minutes with your team to identify simple, imperfect, morale building behaviors. Choose something you can implement this morning. Try this:
Goal:
Have at least two “five-minute-morale-building conversations” a day, until next week’s management meeting.
Practice the behavior:
Outline and practice the five-minute-morale-building conversation with each other. For example:
“Hi Bob, I think we get so busy that we forget what makes us feel good about our work. Solving problems makes me forget that I enjoy solving problems.”
“What about you Bob? What makes you feel good about your work?”
Listen.
Ask a follow-up.
Listen.
“I enjoyed hearing what makes you feel good about your work. Let’s stay in touch. Have a great day.”
#4. Accountability
Let everyone know that next week’s management meeting begins with four questions.
- Who did you talk with?
- What did you learn?
- How might you do it better next time?
- What are we doing this week to build morale?
Warning:
Don’t try this if you don’t care for your teammates.
How might you add to or expand the four-step model of solving people problems?