The Answer is in the Process

Over the years, I have found a valuable resource that has served to teach, develop, & grow me as a person: TEC/EA. TEC (The Executive Council) & EA (Executive Agenda) have given me close to fifteen years of support and learning. I have been fortunate to be associated with them.

Several months ago, as they do every quarter, they sent out an article that really resonated with me: The Answer is in the Process. Especially now, in unprecedented (in our lifetime) poor economic times, we strive for answers. Using a process to find them means solutions are all around us in the sum total of our people's experiences. Pat Murray, a TEC Chair, likes to say, "the answer is in the room."

For those of you who follow my articles, you know how much I value involving others and "discovering" the appropriate solution. Surround yourself with great people, listen to them, and when appropriate, have the courage to let go.

But when I began my business career, fresh out of the Air Force as a pilot, I was full of confidence (great), and also some arrogance (not so great). I forged ahead, solved my own problems, probably created some more, and floundered a bit. When I realized how critical using a process was, things came in focus.

Trusting the process is the key part of getting the most out of it. What does trusting the process look like? Here are a few examples:

* Involve diverse individuals, not with similar backgrounds
* Have the courage to be honest in stating problems, successes, & failures
* Be open & listen to others' point of view
* Exhibit patience, solicit ideas, especially from the reticent
* Respect differing points of view; they most always add value

Make leadership a process; learn it, practice it, then transfer it to your team.