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It’s amazing what one can learn sitting in a steam room from a discussion between two young men, which sadly made me wonder about the quality of coaching they were being given at work.

I say sadly because one could sense the enthusiasm and energy from one who mentioned the hectic time they were having with clients pressurising their needs and wanting everything done ‘now’.  Furthermore, he mentioned that they had expanded their operations into another region which meant that they were a member short in the office.

Their standard 2 to 3 day delivery was now taking 4 to 5 days and they were feeling the heat from disgruntled clients. Then he bemusingly stated that at least they did not have much competition in their field. I am sure he said it with the best intention, but it got my attention.

That mode of thinking is culturally toxic and, in this instance, could have been avoided through the discipline of pro-activity. I felt for him because it sounded as if he had resigned himself to the fact that there was little that he could do to have changed things, for the better.

I wondered how those clients would have responded had someone (himself or his manager) have communicated to them in advance. Knowing they were to be one short could they not have forewarned their clients and asked for some leniency during this transitional stage as they work towards returning to their usual high standards.

Sometimes we can make life more difficult for ourselves when we get so busy that we only think while ‘on the job’.

Any surprise why Steven Covey starts with this as his first habit for highly successful people?

What pro-active discussion will you have with your teams in 2024?

Look out, look ahead, and then look forward!

I am the author of Leading Self and Others (how to make a difference where you are with what you’ve got) and Teaming with ideas (life lessons in teams- from business, sport and parkrun). You can contact me here.