The Problematic Cycle
Many teams and managers enter into a common cycle where there's a lot of effort, but not much progress. Once this cycle starts, it’s hard to break the habit.

This pattern can feel like swimming against the current leaving everyone frustrated. The good news is, there’s a simple way to slip out of it. 

The key to ending this cycle is to by adjusting the expectations around who owns what.

The key to ending this cycle is to by adjusting the expectations around who owns what.

Step One

Team Members bring problems to their manager.

Step Two

The Manager tries to resolve the problem.

Step Three

The manager becomes overwhelmed with problems and team members are constantly waiting on feedback needed to finish their tasks.

Result

It takes a long time to get things done and everyone feels busy all the time.

Think about it…

  • Who is in the best position to address the problem?
  • Who is closest to the situation?
  • Who is most familiar with the details?
  • Who, typically, has the most time to dig into the issue?

In 90% of situations, it's the

The Questions Company helps business leaders and their teams to work more effectively by paying more attention to their questions.
TEAM LEADER

Reversing the cycle for the team leader means their job shifts from solving all the team's problems to providing vision, making decisions and training the team to carry out their tasks.

This is a win for MANAGERS because...

  • 1 Quantity of output improves because the work is distributed across the team.
  • 2 Flexibility and quality improve because people closest to the situation are solving the issues.
  • 3 The manager spends less time giving edits and doing revisions.
  • 4 The manager has more time for strategic actions.
  • 5 The manager’s skills are deployed to the tasks that require your experience.
  • 6 The team is more able to function independently when the manager is busy or traveling.
Amplify your team's ability with The Questions Company's innovative approach to business coaching
TEAM MEMBERS

Reversing the cycle for the team members means their role shifts from following directions to understanding their responsibilities and assignments thoroughly so they can complete their tasks, make recommendations and fulfill their duties, even when the path is unclear.

This is a win for Team members because...

  • 1 They get to assess and solve problems with their own initiative.
  • 2 They spend less time waiting on the manager’s approval and input.
  • 3 They spend more time thinking critically and less time following directions.
  • 4 When things get off track, they learn how to handle it.
  • 5 Their work is more interesting and meaningful, with more responsibility and opportunities.
  • 6 They get exposure to a management style that will make them a strong manager one day.
  • 7 They develop faster and have more opportunities for promotion.

Business Coaching services

At the Questions Company we provide training that helps managers and their teams establish a new of communication.

To make lasting change requires live team training and ongoing practice.  That's why we lead hands-on workshops that are interactive and engaging, giving managers an opportunity to learn and practice on real issues, not role plays.  At the end of each session, they walk away with a summary of key insights and learnings to integrate to their daily communication.

Training Workshops & Team-Building Events

Training Workshops & Team-Building Events

Hands-On Events to Learn and Practice

1-on-1 Coaching

Focused training for individuals

Speaking Engagements

Stories and structures that illustrate what's possible in the workplace

New Online Course: The Essentials of Leading A Team

Schedule a consultation to discuss how we can your teamwork.

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