Inspect your troops. Every day
"People who need help sometimes look a lot like people who don't need help." Glennon Doyle
The military has this long-standing tradition of inspecting the readiness of the troops for battle. It is seen today on parade fields when commanders escort senior commanders in front of and behind a formation of service members. In less formal yet important ways, it happens as a junior leader inspects his or her troops' equipment, knowledge, and level of physical fitness. War demands the absolute most from individuals. Individuals makeup the collective team which ultimately wins or loses battles. Lives and the defense of a nation are at stake. The same applies for a business.
Indeed, in most businesses, lives are not at risk. However, livelihoods and the success of the business are. Today, more than ever, the failure of individuals to perform could be catastrophic. Inspecting the troops in a business is not about individuals standing erect in ranks and files. It is about the wellbeing of Ashley or Ben. It's about their knowledge and preparedness to accomplish a task, represent the company, or sell a product or service. Instead of reciting one's first general order, they may talk about how their weekend was, what steps they are going to take to solve a problem for the business, or explain why they look so fatigued.
Inspecting the troops or your teammates comes in the form of engaged leadership. Each morning in my small business, I make a point to walk away from the grips of my computer screen to see my workers. I don't always quiz them on what our values are or test their knowledge of their job. I look them in the eye, ask them how they are doing, press them to be open and honest with me about their wellbeing and motivation. I assure them I have their back, I appreciate them, and I want them to be at their very best for the team. This is the hard right over the easy wrong.
It is easy to walk into work, straight to one's office, bypassing others in the process. It is easy to keep cameras off in a virtual meeting. It is easy to remain glued to your computer or phone. It is hard to ask pointed questions digging a bit deeper to assess the wellbeing of an individual. It is hard amid a demanding personal schedule to make time to inspect and listen. This is why not everyone chooses to be a leader.
Inspect your troops. Every day.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell