Athletics are a significant component of our culture and societal time. From individuals going to the gym to get or stay in shape to both young and old participating in any number of club or group team competitive programs, sports, and athletics are part of all of our lives, even if our best effort is pulling up our lounge chairs with our beverage and snacks of choice and simply watching the game on TV.
What unites all these athletic activities is the presence of a set of rules or guidance systems. These rules are crucial for both participants and spectators, ensuring that the outcome is determined by the athletes’ skills, not the manner in which the game is played.
We may not all agree on the aspects of an official’s judgment of a play (more and more “instant replies” are being introduced in all higher-level sports). Still, that judgment is governed by the same rules universally across the same sport and most all levels of participation. This is the guidance system to effect a consistent playing field for all participants so that their individual or team athletic skills directly contribute to the success or outcome of the competition.
Just as in sports, your business requires a set of rules or a guidance system. This system ensures that all team members not only understand but also adhere to a standard of responsible performance. Its purpose is to elevate the level of contribution, not to stifle the engagement of team members.
The whole idea of having a framework by which the business operates can sometimes be contrary to the societal gravitation to pull away from such a structure. Everyone wants their own freedom (doing things their own way) without regard for such behaviors’ upstream and downstream impact. Team members may know and even understand the process and procedures of the business but still drift away from them to suit their own view of how things should be accomplished. This is not to say that the current methods or rules should not be changed when change is for the better. It is more about how changes are brought forth, evaluated, and then institutionalized as part of a better way of approaching a given effort.
In the sports arena, officials are tasked with applying the rules equitably to the players in the game. In the business world, leaders are equally tasked with applying the business rules equitably to all the team members in the organization. This allows each individual to use their talents to contribute effectively and efficiently to the organization’s objectives.
This week, consider how effective you are as a leader who uses your organization’s rule book to encourage all of your team members to make constructive contributions. You might need to reread your own rule book first so you are not the one applying your own view of the rules rather than the rules of the game.
Looking for a guidance system to lift your organization to a higher contribution level? Call JKL Associates at MI (313) 527-7945 or FL (407) 984-7246.
COPYRIGHT – JKL ASSOCIATES 2024
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS – EMAIL US AT PARTNERS@JKLASSOCIATES.COM OR CALL OUR OFFICES – MI AT (313) 527-7945 FL AT (407) 984-7246
Celebrating 30 years of Delivering on “Promises”
