We iterate. We try and fail, and try again. Sometimes we fail again. Sometimes we succeed. We’re good with that, usually something good happens and it’s useful. Here’s the thing, no one cares if you’re trying.
“There’s likely a place in paradise for people who tried hard, but what really matters is succeeding.” – General (Retired) Stanley McChrystal
We only credit and report what we ship and the effect it had; that’s all that counts. Report only what you ship and you’ll gain a reputation of an effective team.
“It’s 2018 so I’m going to start this great new workout program.” Nope, no one cares. Better, “It’s March and the new workout program I started is really yielding results.” Yep, this is important. “We’re working on a project which will change the way the Department of Defense communicates.” Try to contain your excitement. Instead report, with a humble smile, “We improved Department of Defense communication.”
Science supports our cultural approach, without the technical science talk – people get a premature boost by publicly stating their intentions and therefore are less likely to accomplish their goal. The reward was served prior to the goal being completed Read it here.
Reporting only your accomplished effect is a shift in thinking, people are accustomed to getting a pat on the back for efforts. Train yourself and your team to only care about effects, not efforts.
This approach is especially applicable if your boss likes to get involved in your business. Want him in? Tell him what you’re working on before it’s done. He’ll be sure to hook you up with a few ‘happy to glads.’
You may be concerned your bosses don’t know what you’re doing. Doesn’t matter, you’ll condition them to find out what you accomplished and the effect it had.
Now go and do likewise.
