'Waiting to See' Can Get You Fired

What It’s About: Too often, I hear people say they are looking forward to “seeing what will happen” when it comes to improving the workplace. It usually goes something like this: “I really enjoyed discussing what a better future state for the organization looks like. So we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.” The skeptics just don’t believe management will ever deliver. To make matters worse, they don’t see themselves having any real responsibility to contribute. Sometimes I wonder if they prefer to sit on the sidelines and judge, rather than get in the mud to slog out a new and better path. Sitting on the sidelines is not necessarily safer.

So What?: Let’s agree that management has a bigger obligation and more resources at their disposal to implement a better workplace and culture. However, they can’t do it by themselves. And people who take a “wait and see” attitude are a drag on the organization's ability to refresh or reinvent itself. Frankly, I think “wait and see’ers” should leave if all they have to offer is passive judgment. A “wait and see” attitude usually results in nothing material going forward because instead of inspiring positive action, it promotes being a spectator.

Now What?: One value I deeply appreciate is the commitment of people leading from the position they have, as I just spoke about on my latest Lead In episode. If we want a desirable change, WE need to become the change through the things we do. And as a result, we take the “wait and see” attitude off the table. Be the change you want. Lead from where you’re already at.

Think Big, Start Small, Act now!!

Lorne

One Millennial View: I get that a company’s main objective is to stay out of the red, but I wonder if red tape and static are the true death squad targeting company culture. The passion/excitement/drive for trying something new is killed while waiting.

- Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis.

'Waiting to See' Can Get You Fired

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