When asked about how to be successful at something, my grandfather would point to his head and say the Yiddish work “sachel”. A derivative of the Hebrew word “sakal”, that roughly meant “use your head”. Or use common sense and good judgment. On reflection, I think those two things should be included in every job description. For line employees, that could mean using common sense when performing a job, applying what you know and adjusting when you should. For managers and professionals, it could mean using common sense when supervising employees and servicing customers, being aware of what is happening and needed, and why. While every company has policies, they should teach those to employees along with how and when to be situationally aware. When it’s black and white, go by the book, but when something is in a grey zone, it often calls for judgment and prudence. A leader’s job is to actively teach others how to behave and perform professionally and effectively, while supporting their prerogative to apply common sense. Guidance in these areas should be actively provided by coaching, mentoring, and role modeling. Allow your peeps to practice and learn; don’t be too hard on them, let them know your expectations, be around to answer questions and give feedback, and nurture a safe learning environment. Because it takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently. Help your employees to act intelligently today.
Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821 – 1881): Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, and journalist.[1]
[1] He is regarded as one of the greatest novelists in both Russian and world literature,[3] and many of his works are considered highly influential masterpieces.[4][5] Dostoevsky's literary works explore the human condition in the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmospheres of 19th-century Russia, and engage with a variety of philosophical and religious themes. His most acclaimed novels include Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (1869), Demons (1872), The Adolescent (1875) and The Brothers Karamazov (1880). His Notes from Underground, a novella published in 1864, is considered one of the first works of existentialist literature.
No comments:
Post a Comment