Posted by SkyeTeam | August 26, 2014Building a High Performing Team by Pulling WeedsI’ve had several occasions this spring to get out in the yard and pull weeds.  I find this very cathartic, especially when I give the little buggers a good tug and the entire plant comes out smoothly – roots and all.   Victory is mine!  It is so very satisfying to see actual results of my efforts.  Sadly, that is not the end of it.  I still need to go out on a regular basis and scout around for new invaders.  If I’ve left behind some roots, then the problem will be that the weeds just come right back.  If the conditions are right and the soil is soft and wet from the rain, the process is easy.  I just keep at it and after a few trips, the area stays clear for longer periods.Hmmmm… this sounds suspiciously like the process we go through at work.  Making improvements and creating lasting change is not a one-time effort.  It takes attention, repetition, and patience.  It can be frustrating, and you often need more than just good intentions and your bare hands to make it work.  Even with the right tools, it takes time.   To be clear, I’m not talking about getting rid of people by taking them by the throat.  I’m referring to the whole range of changes and improvements you might pursue, from process changes, to implementing new practices, offering new products and services, and yes, coaching for behavior change and performance improvement.Sometimes I’ll spend a lot of time focusing on one area and when I turn around, another area has gone straight to you-know-where.  Again, it’s a lot like the workplace.  I think we need to be good at continuous scanning (scanning – not crazy-making) and being ready to intervene when and as needed before a small sprout becomes the noxious weed that you can never beat.Now and then I resort to weed spray to kill the really stubborn troublemakers.  But I’m careful not to spray it all over, as I don’t want to kill the good stuff too.  Wow, another parallel.  Targeted intervention matters.Finally, I’ve found that it really helps to have others helping me instead of doing all the work by myself.  It’s less work for each person, and everyone contributes to the end product.So, put your gardening gloves on and get to it.  It’s a lot of work but the result will be well worth it.Related ArticlesTags »leadership development denver Share