Is Your Record Skipping on Your Leadership Turntable?

When I was a kid, we’d sit, under the shade of a tree, in the backyard, playing 45’s on my friend, Joanne’s, Close-N-Play.  

Playing vinyl records was challenging.  Placing the needle on the record without scratching it was key.  You could tell the age of one’s kids by how many scratches were on their records. When the needle ran over a significant scratch, it skipped.  Skipping resulted in the record continuing to play that phrase over-and-over-and-over again. Sometimes you could buff out minor scratches or put a penny on the record to help it over that section.  But significant ones usually meant the record was toast.

When I was young, I often lost focus.  (Okay, it happens now, too.)  It was usually one of those times my mom was asking me to do something.  Instead of listening, I was daydreaming or only half paying attention. I’d leave the room and sheepishly return saying, “What did you ask me to do again?”  It was at that point mom would often say, “I feel like a broken record.”

I speak to many leaders who have experienced something similar.  They give directions to an individual or in a team meeting.  They ask for questions and confirmations.  Perhaps a few might ask a question or two.  Then, all agree and go on their way.   Later, the leader discovers wrong or no action for the very thing everyone agreed to do.

What gives?

In the moment, individuals may think they understand.  Yet, when it comes time to put that direction it into practice…nothing.  It’s a blank.  There’s a disconnect.

The gap happens when individuals cannot see or connect to the why, what, who, and how of the message or its direction. Here are some reasons the message does not connect:

• No understanding of what prompts the action or why it’s necessary. (Lack of connection to purpose, vision, or mission. Why is it important? Why do we need to do it?)
• It’s so verbose or contains superfluous information that masks its intent.  (Overly complex. What is it we’re supposed to do, and when?)
• Responsibilities are nebulous (No specific assignment or accountability.  Who should do this?)
• It lacks all the details or elements required to put it into action.  (Too general. How do we need to do it? Or it’s so granular as to result in paralysis.)

My mom was a brilliant leader.  It didn’t take her long to figure out how to prevent the broken record syndrome.  Replay – mom would ask me to do something.  As I would walk away, she’d say,

“Annette?” 

“Yes, Mom.” 

“Now, what did I ask you to do?” 

I’d either repeat the direction fully, partially or miss it entirely.  It was her opportunity to readdress so I could do it right the first time.  It alleviated aggravation or delay on her end.  It made me happier and more confident to get it right and not disappoint her.  

CONCLUSION:  Crafting your message requires thought and intentionality to achieve the desired results.  Don’t be afraid to slow down, ask for understanding, and repeat.  Expect potential obstacles or failures and address before they’re an issue. This will help to ensure the right action.  Additionally, individuals will be more confident and self-sufficient in carrying out direction.

Listed below are the four steps to ensure more successful outcomes.