What did the genie teach us?

In the workplace individuals are always asked, by the boss to work harder, be more effective, think outside the box, etc. Then when they do, the boss is disappointed with what they came up with.''I didn't ask for that."

It reminds me of the stories about the genie in the magic lamp. No matter what version I've heard the genie grants the wish of the thrilled possessor of the lamp, yet it never ends up with a happy ending. It usually turns out to be a disaster and the possessor of the lamp saying ''I didn't ask for that."

Why does this happen? I believe it's becausewe never stop to really analyze what we want, why we want it, or how will it affect everything else, We see something that looks nice and think "I want that." We never think about the affect it will have on us if we actual had it.

An example that comes to mind happened at a client's facility when the new facility manager was hired. The new manager had meetings with each line of production to meet and discuss issues with the staff, Of course the main question from the staff was ''How much are you getting paid?''

The essence of their question was why weren't they making the same amount of money as the facility manager. Why did he get more? The new manager understood the question that was underlying the "How much are you getting paid?'' question, So he told them before he answered their question he was going to explain what he had to do to get the job and what was expected of him. Then if anyone was willing to do the same, he would share the information about his salary. He then proceeded to explain to them:

1. What he had to do to qualify for the position.
• education
• hours spent studying
• other positions and experiences
2. How much time and money he invested on his education.
   
• balance of work and school
  
• no vacations for several years
3. What wasexpected of him as the Facility Manager.
• long days (not a standard 8 hour day)
• on call 24 hours a day
• have to come in whenever called to handle problem

He then asked how many of them were willing to do this? None of them were. Some even said "You couldn't pay me enough to do that.'' So did it really matter to them how much he made? If a genie had given the staff the salary of the manager would they have wanted everything that went along? Would they have wanted to get up in the middle of the night when there was a major problem on third shift? Or stay till 7pm to meet with a major client?

It's the same with other issues and opportunities.

1. Do you know what is needed to be prepared (education)?
2. Are you willing to make the investment of time and money to get it? AND
3. Are you willing to do what it takes to achieve it?
   

If you ask for an effective team culture you must be prepared to :

• educate and train your people in the skills and tools to work together
• be prepared to invest time and money to the effort on a continuous basis
• be prepared for what is expected from you to support the teams as they work through the issues

As with the genie be careful what you ask of your teams, because they will provide it to you. However, if you and your teams have prepared properly for the opportunity, unlike the genie, you may find that you get what you need.