Are you zigzagging? Well done!

culture mindset Aug 30, 2018

I came across a funny story on the web the other day: In Berlin, a cycle path has been built to such an extent that it is almost impossible to follow the lane and avoid pedestrians (as you can see in the picture).

We find something like this funny because it doesn't fit into the perfectionism we see elsewhere, especially in Germany and Switzerland. Moreover, because it also excuses us for our own fallibilities.

However, beware: you probably have various such metaphorical cycle paths in your company (and also in yourself). Below you can find three positive ideas from this topic:

  1. Risk culture. It is positive that one has even acted at all. Otherwise, such plans can often get mouldy for years in the offices of the decision makers because some guidelines stand in the way. This can reflect a risk culture in companies: When you do something, you make mistakes. We learn from it. That is a good thing!
  2. First-hand experience. I have witnessed time and time again from those who come up with great processes never apply those themselves. Most companies could become significantly more productive if managers were always able to experience what goes on "out in the trenches" (not only on cycle paths). "Get out to the front" should be the motto, at least once in a while.
  3. Zigzagging. Sometimes the zigzag course is better than no course at all. Many remain in the starting blocks for so long that the others are already at the finish line with headwind and zigzag. Yet, at least they provide a funny example to the world, just like we can see with the bike path.

Tip: Let your team draw their own conclusions from the zigzag cycle path in the next meeting. Let's see if they can come up with such positive ideas like those mentioned above. A real winning team culture delivers reliable top performance, even in a zigzag. Do you want one for your team? Then you should get back to me.

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