As a business leader, do you realize one of the greatest challenges in front of you is the “Silence Barrier?” This is the barrier between what is really going on, and what you’re hearing and seeing. How does this show up in the real world?
- Individuals tell what you want to hear and rarely fail to meet your expectations.
- Information tied to problems is filtered and refined to the point where, “That’s not so bad” captures the moment.
- Individuals show up, but they don’t open up and share what is really going on.
- The only factor that is considered important is to meet the numbers, then let the party begin.
- Critical conversations are easier to avoid than they are to deliver.
Over the past year, conversations with consultants, to business owners, to business leaders, to employees focused on doing the right thing reveals just how dangerous Silence truly is. Initially, the silence is somewhat benign. However as I’ve discussed and illustrated (see chart), silent problems grow in toxicity over time. And when (not if) a silent problem surfaces, it can derail an organization with ease.
How can you avoid Silent Problems?
- Listen to your employees, to your suppliers, to the janitor… Fine tuning your listening skills is essential.
- Do the walk around. Look at everything that is going on with innocent and naive eyes.
- Invite and encourage information that might not be flattering.
- Conduct a Silent Problem Audit.
- Pay attention to the little things, despite the fact that you’re being held accountable for the big things.
Silence is derailing projects, derailing divisions, derailing complete organizations. The quicker you begin to look for silent problems, the more successful your organization will become.
Tags: silence, silence barrier, silent problem audit, Silent Problems, the walk around
