As a Leader…. Do You Strike the Match or Put Out the Fire?

Organizations have fire starters: those who escalate issues causing havoc and drama in the process. They also have fire fighters: people who scurry to find a way to pacify, implement or solve emergencies.  Regardless of the position, it costs the company and everyone involved lots of time and money.

 My issue with many businesses, especially large ones fraught with multiple layers of management is that a simple dictate from a high ranking exec may start out as a "when you get a chance" kind of comment, but later turns into a " fire drill" as it's passed down the chain of command. Sure there are honest critical crunches when all hands on deck is imperative to meet deadlines. But in the corporate telephone game, since these directives are rarely formalized or written down,  confusion or others' interpretations often drive a normal delivery time into needing it yesterday. It can also happen through some self-serving manager along the way trying to look important by claiming the item is "hot" and needed ASAP by the executive who casually mentioned the detail in the first place.  In the meantime schedules are juggled, meetings and tasks are postponed in order to attend to the now frantic issue. Gaining momentum as it circulates through the organization, very few people push back or even consider going to the original source for clarification.

As a leader, communicating and yes, even formalizing requests with clear due dates can make a huge difference regarding time, energy and profits. It keeps everyone on the same page and gives realistic priorities to the work at hand. Using this process, if a situation arises that truly is needed STAT, it will get the necessary immediate attention. An executive's awareness of the requests put forth and how they are implemented  is essential to keep an organization running efficiently. Although you can't keep your finger on the pulse of all the issues, at least know the ones you've initiated have been clearly communicated with realistic deliverables, directions and expectations.

 Those in an organization who regularly spiral assignments to frenzied levels, are just fanning the flames. The world will not end if every project does not have priority status. Don't cry wolf, save those matches for a real crisis when you'll need to light a big fire.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key. See if her Leadership Development offerings could help you or those in your organization be more effective.