Why diagonal passes in leadership teams switch play but do not score goals

Why diagonal passes in leadership teams switch play but do not score goals

Have you noticed it too? Some leadership teams have a fondness for endless discussions. Hours of talk, tiring repetition and a sea of words are spent discussing current operations in the weekly management meeting. “Someone—or we—should really…” are opening phrases that set my alarm bells ringing. When leadership teams feel called to comment eloquently from the sidelines on a game in which they should be scoring the goals themselves, the Champions League is a very long way off.

A long diagonal pass often changes the subject quickly, without reaching a conclusion, solution or at least a clear agreement—who does what by when?—on the original issue. What looks from outside like an accomplished switch of play at the highest level is actually an expression of #Passivity and failure to take responsibility.

In his book “Gefangene am runden Tisch”—what a wonderful title, “Prisoners at the Round Table”, right?—George Kohlrieser names ten obstacles on leaders’ playing field, including passivity, that often unconsciously ensure little or nothing moves in the organisation:

1. Discounting people or issues
2. Distracting and redefining
3. Excessive emotionality
4. Overly rational discussion
5. Excessively detailed and lengthy contributions
6. Excessive generalisation
7. Vague, abstract contributions
8. Lack of directness
9. Lack of honesty
10. Passivity

Avoiding these communication stumbling blocks in leadership teams is essential for an organisation’s #Effectiveness and success. Leaders are responsible for organisational development. By consciously addressing these obstacles and focusing on clear #Communication and taking responsibility, we can lead our teams effectively and reach management’s Champions League. Teamwork, #Leadership and effectiveness go hand in hand. Heeding these principles can lead our organisations to new heights of performance.

When a skilful diagonal pass comes your way in the next leadership meeting, receive the ball and ideally pass it straight back diagonally to the actual subject. What initially looks like “Germany passing the ball around against Austria at the 1982 World Cup” actually shows real responsibility among the “prisoners at the round table”.

Good luck on the pitch.