Move Over!

How tempting is it to be working on a project with a fast coming deadline and just take over, regardless of the team?

Reminds me of the the SNL skit "The company computer guy". Where Nick Burns (Jimmy Fallon) the computer tech comes in and says "Move Over", proceeds to correct the problem. Usually a simple re-boot or a Ctrl Alt Delete will suffice. Then expects a Thank you for his services. I'm sure Nick feels important but how about the person sitting at that desk.

All too many times there are projects where teams struggle for consensus or get hung up on one or two actionable steps. As the sponsor or leader of the team how do you handle this? Clearly a "Move over" is readily available and therefore the project keeps moving. Do you grant more time and extend the deadline until they either, ask for help or change the premise of the project for the sake of not having to find a solution?

A "Move Over" decision in most cases will weaken the buy in from the team and snatch ownership out from under them. It is critical that the team be allowed to struggle and at times fail, this is the only way they will learn and develop. If your not making mistakes your are not learning.

I spend the majority of my time teaching and coaching my teams explaining processes by putting them into a context that they can relate to and address without experiencing that "Move over" moment. Don't be the smartest guy in the room, be the best coach in the room.

Sometimes having the answer isn't the solution. Taking the time to develop and teach your teams is. Take the time to inject yourself as a silent partner in your teams projects and find ways to coach and develop without taking ownership. There is an old saying..."Those who build, do not destroy" cliche yes, but so true!

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