TALK…

Today BTL practiced with one of our favorite clients.  Today we remembered that we really do speak different languages.  As we asked more questions like, “What did you hear,” clarity arrived.  The team began to realize that they are more “foreign” than “united.”  In fact, every team is this way.  Every team is full of people that speak the language of their native country…sales, marketing, production, engineering, owner, union, operator, administration, and so many more.  Every team, is really a  collection of unique talents that effective LEADERS unite.

Today, this team built some trust, hired a new project manager, developed a plan to partner better with their better suppliers, and began to work on some of the CORE opportunities.  Here’s one.

This morning the TALK was around improving forecasting.  Seems this team aint so good at it.  

This afternoon one of the team members had a breakthrough AND they shared it.  The breakthrough was that the problem is NOT forecasting.  This team does NOT need help creating more accurate forecasts.  Cool.  I never did like forecasts anyway.

Here’s the real problem he identified.  He said this really clearly.  He said, “We have a SALES problem.”

They do.

The first step to making better decisions starts with seeing reality clearly so you can focus your efforts on real, CORE problems.  I meant to say “opportunities.”   Too many teams get busy do,do,doing and they never solve the BIG ones.  They come up with the greatest forecasting tools known to humankind…and then they still miss the NUM!

What are you and your teams biggest problems?

Are you sure they are the CORE problems?

Are you sure you are not solving the symptoms?

Will solving these problems improve and sustain you and your teams performance?

Are you asking for help?

Are you asking your team “what did you just hear?”

Why?