Written by Ted Studdard
Have you ever faced a six-figure mistake on your team and wondered where things went wrong? In a recent discussion with a group of CEOs, the room fell silent when one leader shared a six-figure mistake made by a team member. The conversation naturally evolved toward understanding intent as the group discussed the impact and potential next steps. As we unpacked the situation, it became evident that the mistake was not born of malice or incompetence.
The discussion underscored two key truths: everyone comes to work with the desire to succeed, and, as leaders, we often carry the weight of both successes and failures within our organizations. Recognizing that mistakes and setbacks are inevitable, we must reflect on our roles and responsibilities when challenges arise. What questions should we ask ourselves to ensure we effectively guide our teams through these challenges?
Here are three questions you can ask yourself when things don’t go as planned:
Access Capability: Does the person have the capability to succeed in this role—mentally, physically, and emotionally? If the answer is no, help find the right fit for them and reexamine the organization’s recruitment and hiring practices. Ensuring the right match from the start can prevent many issues down the line.
Provide Proper Training: Is the person trained for the role? Assuming they are qualified, what has the organization done to set them up for success in their current role? We often dissect issues after the fact, finding that once hired, we throw people into a role, hoping they will figure it out rather than investing in a structured onboarding program followed by an intentional training and development program. Investing in these areas is vital for fostering success.
Evaluate Desire and Effort: Does the person desire to succeed? Are they putting in the work and effort? If yes, then find out what is impeding success. Take the time to have the crucial conversation and identify the barriers standing in the way. Sometimes, an issue outside the workplace creates a distraction, and when it is resolved, performance soars.
It is easy to assign blame for failures, dismiss them, and move on, but the success and failures of our organizations ultimately rest on our shoulders as leaders. When we pause and ask ourselves these questions, we can uncover opportunities to improve internally and, in the process, strengthen our teams. Remember, no one comes to work with the intent to fail.
