Dear Genius December Edition

Dear Genius,

Help! I’m a project manager at a large company, and I feel like I’m herding cats with bad attitudes. We need a change, but I’m afraid we’re too far gone for productivity and team-building tools to be successful without honest reflection. How do we create a safe place to introduce vulnerability to create change in a company that’s only known ego and fear?

Dear Cat-herder, 

We can feel your frustration through your email! You’re right that your current situation is not fruitful. However, you are wrong about the solution: it’s a lot easier than you think. 

Symptoms of people working from their frustration:

Guilt

People often attribute their failures and challenges to negative factors about themselves. However, when individuals recognize certain areas of “Genius,” and other areas of frustration, they can identify the mismatch between their roles and what will increase productivity through joy. This realization diminishes feelings of guilt and shame, empowering them to transition into work that aligns more closely with their strengths, increasing the likelihood of fulfillment and success.

Do not misunderstand this to mean that a whole new job description needs to be written for them. They simply need to interact in meetings and goal-setting discussions and create overall accountability by tapping into resources in the room through their geniuses versus their job identity.  

Judgment 

Individuals who lack an understanding of their peers’ Working Geniuses and Frustrations are prone to passing judgment on their performance and behavior. They may mistakenly believe that their colleagues are not putting in enough effort, lack intelligence, or should be dismissed. This can lead to a sense of being misunderstood, judged, and rejected among team members.

In contrast, when we comprehend the Working Geniuses of our colleagues, we can more accurately identify the root causes of their challenges. This insight allows us to give them the freedom to participate in meetings differently and focus on tasks that better suit their strengths while inviting others to exchange tasks that bring them joy. 

Solution

Working Genius is a nuanced way of approaching work. However, the deep-seated issue within your organization can be “healed” with an open-minded understanding and dedication to the application of Working Genius methods and ridding the team of guilt and judgment. 

The takeaway? You’re herding cats right now, but the big fix you seek will be the result of subtle, insightful changes that naturally encourage buy-in from all members, not the drastic overhaul you fear.