Understand People Who Aren’t Playing
"Respect is how to treat everyone, not just those you want to impress." – Richard Branson
Over the weekend, I heard an interview with a pro football player, and he was asked how a teammate was able to come in from the bench and help the team win the game.
He said, “You know … when JT came into the game after warming the bench for three quarters, we had confidence that he would do his part. As the starters, it’s our job to understand people who aren’t playing. When he stepped into the huddle, we treated him just like everyone else. He knows what needs to get done, and everyone has to do their part. It’s business as usual!”
I understand the pro football setting has unique pressures that are different from what we experience in the workplace, but there is something valuable in this example that applies to any situation.
Bench Team Matters
The most successful companies today are focused on building a solid team ready to assume additional responsibilities.
When working at USAA as an IT Staff Analyst, I remember the day when I had to brief the CIO regarding a project update because my manager, who normally assumed this responsibility, was on vacation.
I remember the day and even time (10:30 am) because I was super-nervous. In fact, I was hoping the update meeting would be canceled!
However, the meeting took place right on time, and the CIO could tell I was a bit nervous, but he asked me simple and direct questions I could field.
When the meeting ended, he said: “Jimmie, I appreciate you filling in for Tom this week. We have many moving parts right now, and I know it can be challenging. Keep up the good work!”
I walked away from this meeting with a new level of confidence. The CIO created an environment where I could excel, and he treated me with respect. Although my manager had far more knowledge than me when it came to these presentations, I took an important step forward to become a more productive employee.
Creating a Safe Place
The key takeaway for me is that I need to make sure I give people a chance to succeed, such as in the following examples…
When students are struggling with an assignment, it’s far better to help them with understanding the expectations. I often mention to my students that I will allow them the chance to re-do an assignment when they misinterpret the requirements. I would rather them have a good learning experience than a poor grade.
When a team member is nervous about making a presentation to the leadership team, I can help them focus on the factors they can control. I can share information regarding the questions that may be posed and how they should handle the various personalities.
I am sometimes surprised at the caliber of workers who are on the sidelines. In many cases, all they need is the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and abilities.
At the same time, it’s important they are treated with kindness and respect.
It won’t be long until these bench players will be leading the company.
See you next week, my friends!
Closing Quotes
“The foundation of a healthy workplace is respect.” – Unknown
“Treat people as if they are what they ought to be, and you will help them become what they are capable of being.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Closing Quotes
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” – Jimmy Johnson
Homework Inquiry
During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: What will you do today to be ready for a challenging opportunity in the future?
I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.