I'm surprised every time I use this parable (see Monday, 3/19, blog) with workshop attendees. They identify the surface problems like poor teamwork, bad attitude and a lack of communication. Rarely does someone identify the real problem -- poor leadership.
The parable illustrates a leader that has not communicated (and modeled) a clear vision or mission. There is no common commitment to an ultimate team goal that each employee can clearly articulate. The farmer should have gathered everyone together at the outset and defined the mission. "We are all here to raise and harvest a good crop." Everyone has to be committed to that goal. Even better would have been to involve employees in creating a team vision -- no participation no commitment. Have each team member identify their crucial part in accomplishing the team goal (alignment).
"Where there is no vision, the people perish," says the ancient writer. Henry Ford says it even better, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal."
I'm told that Ritz Carlton Hotels has every employee carry in their uniform pocket a small card that on one side has there motto: "We are ladies and gentlemen service ladies and gentlemen." On the flip side is their core values as a business. No wonder they've won the Malcolm Baldridge award for quality twice! I heard of a gentleman and his wife who stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Maui, and was so impressed by the kind and attentive service the maid provided them. He asked her, "what is it about Ritz Carlton that's different?" She said, "we are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentleman."
Do you have a common vision focused on the customer that every employee can articulate?
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