
Only three things happen naturally in organizations: friction, confusion and underperformance. Everything else requires leadership. ~Peter Drucker
In any enterprise, there’s a risk that the non-productive forces highlighted in Drucker’s popular observance will exert their costly influence. That they would occur “naturally,” or by default, absent the counter-influence of Leadership, speaks to an interesting assumption about human nature that you may or may not agree with. Regardless how or why they get started, Friction, Confusion and Underperformance have corrosive impacts on getting desired results or outcomes. The good news is that these negative influences are entirely preventable, and the antidote is another, higher-order aspect of human nature: Leadership.
Friction, Confusion and Underperformance typically happen when:
If you agree with Drucker’s assessment about the default mode of human nature in work settings, then you’ll establish, develop and reinforce effective leadership behaviors in yourself and throughout your company. Nothing could be more natural, and I’m happy to help!
Friction, Confusion and Underperformance typically happen when:
- There are competing agendas among employee and/or employee groups, based on
- Differing expectations about purpose or vision
- Communication is lacking or unclear
- Morale is low
- Roles and responsibilities are poorly defined or undefined
- Effective action or productivity is undervalued or not recognized
- Focus
- Alignment
- Passion
- Persistence
- Vision
- Purpose
- Clarity, especially during times of change
- Hope
- Using effective, active listening
- Engaging stakeholders
- Empowering stakeholders
- Using consistent messaging
- Asking great questions
- Questioning assumptions
- Working collaboratively
- Identifying & removing barriers for others’ success
- Providing encouragement
- Holding myself and others accountable
- Customers
- Employees
- Employee families
- Partners
- Industry
- Community
If you agree with Drucker’s assessment about the default mode of human nature in work settings, then you’ll establish, develop and reinforce effective leadership behaviors in yourself and throughout your company. Nothing could be more natural, and I’m happy to help!