There is power in your pen. The note that follows was written by a teammate at one of my clients who became built to leave. I consider these kinda notes as a “score” on my scorecard for significance. As you read this extrapolate how important it is to your teammates to know what they’re accountable for. Assume less. Write more, my friend…
“Hey, Chet I’m doing good. When I left (old co.) you told me you hoped we would stay in touch, so I figured I would write to you. I feel very confident about my decision to leave (old co.) and am glad I jumped ship when I did. Within the first 30 minutes of my new job I received an organizational chart, a one page paper with the companies purpose, vision, values, and roles. On top of that, within my department, my boss gave me a front and back paper with 11 specific written duties and responsibilities of which he said he would measure my performance against in December. What was more impressive is he then gave me his written roles and responsibilities, and the written roles and responsibilities of the assistant who I work closely with. He also shared with me his 5 written goals for 2015, of which we are currently acting on. That was CCD in a new way I had never experienced before.
I took my 11 written duties and responsibilities and began to write out my processes and procedures, like a contingency plan, that way If I go on vacation or am sick, someone can understand what I do and how I do it. I stole that idea from a BTL practice where we talked about 9/11. Thanks. My boss knows about this document, and where to find it if need be. I have tried my best to ask curious questions, and try to listen more than I talk. In my quest to stay curious, I have busted out 6 of your recommended readings from the back of the playbook, and have found them to be very insightful. I also follow your blog.
I really liked “The Call” by Os Guinness and think it helped me realize a few things. I agree with what he says about everyone being called to follow Jesus, and hope and pray I learn how to do that more and more. I realize that for me, that means I will never make work the first, or even second priority in my life. After thinking some, I realize that I want to follow that call to #1 follow Jesus, and then #2 be there for my family emotionally (not just financially or physically like many American males today). I could go on and on about why I really enjoyed “The Call” but I don’t want to take up all of your time.
Any way, I figured I would stay in touch and let you know I really like my job now and don’t see myself jumping ship any time soon. Something else exciting is that I will be going on a short term mission’s trip to Cambodia this summer. We are going to do some manual labor, volunteer in a hospital, and help with a local vacation bible school. I’m not sure how, but I hope this trip will expand my worldview in a new way.
I’m grateful for the time I spent in BTL and want to thank you for teaching me so much. I also want to thank you for suggesting some books to read, and I hope to continue to stay in touch.”
How do you keep score? How do you hold your team accountable? How transparent are you on holding yourself accountable? Are your raising the bar on what you demand from yourself and expect from your team? Are you hardest on you? Don’t just think about it – write, reflect and make it a done so. Good…
BUILT TO LEAD 