Breaking Bottlenecks

Bottlenecks protect the status quo.

A bottleneck is blocking your efforts to make things better. Now what?

Exposing Bottlenecks

A bottleneck…

1. Buries themselves in detail. Can’t see the big picture.
2. Chooses “what is” over “what might be.”
3. Uses policy and procedure to control.

Don’t give up on the good in your heart.

Frustration shows you what you don’t want. Focus on what you want.

10 Ways to Deal with Bottlenecks

#1. Acknowledge their power. 

One person has the power to derail a team.

#2. “Should” doesn’t change things.

Bottlenecks choke you. Eventually, you resort to “shoulds”.

• They should care.
• Higher-ups should do something.
• Things should be better.

My coach taught me, “Don’t should on yourself or others.”

#3. Don’t expect higher-ups to intervene.

When a bottleneck has been around for a long time, they ain’t going anywhere.

#4. Get on their team as much as possible.

Resistance invites defiance.

#5. Clarify the “good” you desire.

Is it really good for your organization and customers? Are you being selfish? 

Define what will be better if you push through.

#6. Expand perspective.

Perhaps you’ve missed something. Inform yourself. What’s the motivation for staying the same? Speak to motivation before addressing behaviors.

#7. Go around.

Take small actions without them or suggest a pilot program.

Ensure your value outweighs any friction you cause.

#8. Stay humble.

When it’s a higher-up, ask, “What am I missing?” Stay open. You could be wrong.

#9. Always act with kindness.

Ruminating pollutes you.

Don’t allow frustration to control your tone.

#10. Tell the truth.

If you are punished for working to make things better, so be it.

One person can make things worse; one person can make them better.

What warnings or suggestions can you offer someone who is dealing with a bottleneck?

Bottleneck busters – Leadership Freak

The Leadership Bottleneck: Why You’re Slowing Your Team Down Forbes