I’m pretty particular how I have my things. My cabinets rival those from the movie Sleeping with the Enemy. I don’t have a ‘junk drawer’ in my kitchen; and that very well could be because I don’t have a ton of drawers to begin with. But, you get the idea. I like order.
When I was interviewing with Orangetheory Fitness, I was asked about my greatest strength as well as my greatest weakness (which, since we have renamed ‘opportunity’). No brainer with the opportunity, it was control. I’d explained that I like things done a certain way; I’m borderline OCD. It’s a blessing and a curse. Over the years, my need for control has released in so many areas; for my own sanity as well as the growth and development of the teams around me.
Ironically, this has also been a struggle for some of my team mates. As they have grown in their roles, they like things a certain way...their way. There have been times that they get stuck on their way rather than completing the project…that causes a loss in focus and an overall frustration amongst the teams. It’s not easy to change, it’s a conscious decision day after day.
What we’ve learned is there’s more than one way to arrive at a destination. If someone chooses three rights to make a left, I’m ok with that, as long as they arrive and are on time. Everyone learns and executes differently. It’s an awesome accomplishment to learn about your team and figure out what works best for them. They go from frustrated to flourish in a hurry.
However, as you know already, not everyone takes the time to learn about others. Not everyone takes a new or different approach. Some insist their way is the ‘right’ way and that becomes the only way. We know how that works out.
If the problem is solved, does it really matter how it was done?
Are we so convinced that only we are right? When did we lose interest in learning?
Gym Girl Dana 