“They just don’t get it,” protested Kyle. “Why are they so stupid?”
“Why are they so stupid? Or why are you so stupid for expecting them to get it?” I asked. Kyle did not expect my response and I could see him stiffen in the chair. He didn’t know how to react to the challenge, so he countered with a question.
“What do you mean?” he said, stalling for time. I was quiet. The seconds ticked by. Kyle finally broke the silence. “Okay, they are not stupid. I just wish they could be more productive, and solve problems better, work smarter.”
“You have exactly the kind of team you have designed,” I said. Kyle’s face lightened a bit.
“You know, you are probably right,” he replied. “So, how do I make it better? How can I improve the design?”
I waited. “It’s not a matter of improving the design. It’s a matter of improving the designer.”
an old saying is appropiate here:
“If you want to change the world, start with yourself.”
Setting an exemple may do the thing. Just take a look at how your parents raised you….
Kurt,
Looking at our parents inevitably finds similarities to our own behavior. Scary stuff. Thanks for the comment.