Take these three items, some WD-40, a vice grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone.
Walt Kowalski (portrayed by Clint Eastwood) – Gran Torino
Recently I had the privilege of working with a great group of working managers in Texas. Most were long term employees with this company that had been promoted to a management role just two years before. These 12 men, on a daily basis, faced down a myriad of problems ranging from a changing customer base to difficulty screening and hiring qualified employees.
As I worked them through three days of fundamental management skills training, I couldn’t help but notice how they soaked all the information in. They did this while handing crisis after crisis from their workplace and still managed to have a great sense of humor. When their HR manager asked me on the last day how it went, I commented on how well they responded. After talking with him about what they faced as managers, we agreed that these guys could indeed fix any problem with the managerial equivalent of WD-40, vice grips, and duct tape.
You probably know I crisscross the country teaching and facilitating management and leadership development workshops in a wide range of industries. My workshops vary in size and scope but I have the most fun working with groups like this one in Texas. They have the will to do the job and they are certainly focused, they just need more skill. With the skills I taught them, they left with the mindset they could handle anything. I know they can!
What does this mean for you?
Training is great if all you need is skill. There is much more to great performance than just skill however. If you read my book How to Fix a Poor Performer (and Turn Them Into a Superstar) you’ll find out how important having skill, will, and focus is. Skill can be taught, but will has to come from within. Focus follows, but you have to WANT to do well in order to become effective.
Think about that this week as you watch your boss in action, or better, as you lead your own team. Are you in the role to become the best or just taking up space, flaunting your positional authority. If you don’t attempt to fix problems without tools, how will you expect to do it when you get some good ones? Skill can be had…you better find the will and the focus! My friends from the workshop last week certainly did!
