This post is inspired by one from John Cutler. 

I want to take a diversion a bit on John. I was talking about his article at our Agile Moose Herd the other morning. I shared that he is one of the “Top 10” folks in our industry (agile, products, transformation, culture, etc.) that makes me think more deeply with everything he writes. John is a thought-provoker, a leading-edge thinker, and a courageous writer. He often says, what needs to be said, before anyone else is saying it. I truly appreciate his voice!

Now, back to the post. It was fairly short and entitled—Kryptonite and Curiosity.

John started out by exploring common organizational phrases that can be kryptonite in nature. That is, they can trigger a negative response in us. For example—Bring solutions, not problems, was one of them. You get the idea.

Sidebar

I explored this notion from another angle in my blog post—Teams Provide Data and Leaders Provide Trust

His next point was focused on gaining organizational self-awareness in our use of language and phrases and the impact it might have on the people and culture.

And he made this point—

Some people aren't even aware that different styles exist, or that different styles can be viable. This is especially true in places like Silicon Valley where people have experienced notable successes. Success often breeds myopia.

And John is trying to inspire us to move beyond that myopia.

3-Key Points

He shared the following key points and I’ll add just a little flavor to each— 

  1. Consider how your own words come across. When in doubt, use more specific language with less baggage. Don't know phrases that have baggage? Ask your team. Invite feedback. This is especially important for leaders. One misstep to a large audience could take weeks to repair

    1. Realize that your words matter, particularly if you are in a leadership role, so choose them carefully. And here are 2-post’s I’ve shared on this—post #1, post #2

    2. Realize that we ALL have baggage and try to “leave it behind you” as much as possible in your communication.

    3. He didn’t mention this, but always consider diversity when you’re communicating. What one group might find engaging; another might be insulted by. Point being—try to be as inclusive and diversity aware as possible.

  2. Accept there are many different views of work. Explore these differences with your teammates. Get this out in the open. 

    1. Listening is something we ALL need to focus on strengthening in our journeys. Ask questions and then…simply listen…deeply and actively listen.

    2. Leadership by walking around and engaging can be one of your greatest means of gaining insights into the collective culture.

    3. Personal reflection can also be useful. Reflect on reactions to your words and actions. Reflect on what you’re seeing…and not seeing.

  3. Come to grips with your own "kryptonite", and reflect on whether your knee-jerk response is helping or hurting. Try to stay curious.

    1. Most of us are simply unaware of our triggers. I’m working on it, but I still struggle with certain triggers and improving I respond. But it starts with gaining awareness.

    2. There is incredible power in curiosity. Learn to be powerfully and honestly curious. Applying the “mind of a child”, if you will.

    3. I’ve recently shared an article on Superpowers and in it, I explored the shadow side aspects. Point being, everything has a counterpoint…even your kryptonite. You simply have to find it.

Wrapping Up

As I said, John Cutler is a treasure. And this post made an impression and me and caused me to stop and reflect.

I really like the graphic John shares with the categories for analyzing your organization landscape. While I said in the beginning that many of us lack organizational self-awareness, it doesn’t have to remain that way.

I contend, and John showed this, that we can ascertain the landscape with observation, listening, thinking, and reflection. Many of us avoid this because we’re rushing and reacting instead of reflecting, considering, and learning.

It’s a worthwhile exercise for all of us to reflect broadly and deeply on our organizational context. And then, reflect on how we’re showing up and reacting to that context personally.

Yes, that requires some patience and hard work, but becoming organizationally self-aware is worth it.

Stay agile my friends,

Bob.

 

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