Not Competent Enough
You’re a manager and someone calls you to tell about some emergency situation. The first thought is “I’ll do that.” I’ll replace sick guy who was in the middle of resolving the issue along with a subcontractor. I’ll run the meeting where all the technical issues are resolved.
Stop for a moment. Take a step back. Are you a person who’s competent enough?
Do you know all the history of communication with the subcontractor? Can you make good decisions how to deal with all technical stuff? When you’re a manager quite often answers will be negative.
Then the best thing you can do is to find someone who is competent. Playing a hero doesn’t pay. Sorry. Admitting you aren’t competent enough to deal with the specific issue doesn’t make you a poor performer. It makes you a wise performer.
2 comments:
I agree completely. "Mr. Super Ego" doesn't help anybody, and ends up fouling up the works and costing everybody time.
Usually it is a case of ego indeed, but sometimes it's just a hero mentality. Strong will to help and not to bother others with your problems. Unfortunately we're not superheroes and have no superpowers and not always the end is happy.
Personally I'm lucky enough I never was "Mr Super Ego" type, but it took me some time to learn the "don't be a hero" lesson.
Post a Comment