Making sensible decisions, setting priorities, or providing quality recommendations without proper #context is very difficult. In fact, it is more than that: it's ineffective and potentially dangerous. It is like trying to solve a thousand-piece puzzle without knowing the image we are trying to create.
Context matters: when teams understand the complete picture - including goals, constraints, resources, and expected benefits - they can make informed decisions and work toward common goals. It forms the foundation of transparency and alignment.
To help our people succeed, we must go beyond high-level statements. I believe in vision statements and "North Stars", and I have encountered some meaningful and inspirational ones. These should be translated into tangible, practical terms that resonate with each individual. We need to engage in continuous dialogue to ensure our teams can connect these aspirations to their daily work and specific projects. Let's not assume that because something is clear to us, it's clear to everyone else. Let's ask questions repeatedly and offer explanations generously and patiently.
This approach brings multiple benefits, a prominent one being that clear context is a key enabler to decentralized #decisionmaking. When team members understand how the bigger picture connects to their daily activities, they can make independent, informed decisions, exercise critical thinking, take initiative, and deliver with greater speed. Consistently providing context creates a path to empowering people. It requires no additional infrastructure or technology - just our time as leaders, replacing micro-decision making and tight supervision with providing guidance and clarity. Of course, not every decision can or should be decentralized, but we should retain only the necessary ones and let go of the rest.
I know this sounds basic, but I see it underplayed every day. Becoming the bottleneck for everything and growing frustrated when others don't take initiative - I observe it frequently and have experienced it myself. In my naïveté as a new manager, I thought my role was to control and check everything, and as an experienced professional, I learned how difficult it is to let go.
But there is no two ways about it: the investment in providing context pays dividends through improved outcomes, faster delivery, and more engaged people. And let’s face it: sometimes the only thing standing between us and making this a reality, is ourselves.
I am not sure anyone is looking for reading recommendations for the upcoming holiday period, but here's one of my go-to books on this topic: "Turn the Ship Around," by L. David Marquet. A real-life success story narrated with authenticity and passion. Let me know your thoughts if you end up reading it!
Comments