That is the way we've always done it...
Most leaders will say that they hate the phrase "That is just how we do things around here."
But we are all prone, in one area or 10, to get stuck in this rut.
We might be open to innovation and another way to do things in a few areas. But lurking in all organizations are areas that could be improved but aren't because we are stuck in the "this is how we do things" mindset. Or sometimes our default mode is to just keep plugging along, never asking questions about how we are doing things.
Several simple questions to ask are:
+ "If I/we were forced to change, what changes would we make?"
+ "What are three other possible ways we could do this? Of those three, are any of them better than what we are currently doing?"
+ "Is this the easiest possible way to do this?"
+ "If we had to stop doing two things, which two would be on the chopping block?"
+ "What is our end goal with this? Is the way we are doing things producing the best way to do it?"
One key role of a leader is to ask the hard questions about their organization. It can be exhausting to constantly be innovating and improving...but this seems to be one of the things that sets elite leaders apart from good leaders.
Elite leaders have the capacity and willingness to adapt, change, and tweak. They don't change just to change, but they also don't leave anything left unexamined.
Asking new and better questions helps us think in new, and possibly unique, ways.
PS. I was talking to a head baseball coach this past week and he mentioned several things that needed to be tweaked/changed. One was a 'big' thing, and two seemed more 'minor' but in the end, when improved, can make a big difference. This leader left no rock unturned and nothing was off limits.
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One of my weekly disciplines is scouring the internet for articles/tweets I can learn from and/or use with those I work with. Below are two that I hope help encourage and equip you.
Article 1- We all want to be great...but what are we willing to do to achieve that?
Article 2- Kind vs Wicked environments...can you really get worse the more experience you have?
Podcast: Keeley Hagen, Soccer coach at Colorado State. Super sharp!
Three Ways I Can Help:
1 on 1's - A powerful solution to combat the isolation and loneliness that often accompanies leadership. Leading with excellence can be an uphill battle, but you don't have to face it alone. My 1-on-1 coaching is designed to be your trusted thought partner, offering thought-provoking, perspective-enhancing questions that ignite fresh insights and clarity. Together, we will delve into the depths of your leadership role, helping you gain a profound understanding of yourself and your program. Our personalized approach ensures that each session is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
Here is a testimony from a 1 on 1 client: "Travis has helped me become a better leader. Travis has helped me organize my thoughts and has given me so much clarity on how to lead on a day to day basis. There is no doubt that he is the biggest asset to my leadership and has reenergized my coaching style." Jeff Duncan, Head Baseball Coach, Kent State
Training Day - During this transformative experience, I will guide you through the essential principles that lay the foundation for an elite environment in your program. Our approach is entirely interactive, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning journey for all participants.
The Tribe - What are your pain points? What do you need to do to become a better leader? To create a better environment? Join a group of like-minded coaches who get together (via Zoom) every 2nd and 4th Monday to discuss and work through principles and frameworks to help you become a better leader.