|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |
|
Two-Sided Answers
Written by: Nan RussellArticle Overview: The room was lovely, the bed inviting, the architecture interesting, and the philosophy appealing. That was my impression as we checked into a newly minted green-hotel in a resort town where we were eager to spend time relaxing.
![]() |
Free Download - The Art of Change By Nan Russell |
Two-Sided Answers
The room was lovely, the bed inviting, the architecture interesting, and the philosophy appealing. That was my impression as we checked into a newly minted green-hotel in a resort town where we were eager to spend time relaxing.
But when we checked out, lovely wasn't on my mind. Protective glass on the combined soaking tub/shower looked terrific, but giving a child a bath was impossible; oversized ultra-modern faucets made face-washing without watering the floor an Olympic challenge; and shin-high pointy edges on a platform bed covered by a flowing duvet made room navigation perilous. There were numerous functional issues.
I'm sure the architectural firm that designed the hotel and the management team who signed off believed the room was great. It certainly looked that way. But spend one night there and anyone would know this reality: style was battling practicality.
Unfortunately, my hotel experience mimics many work experiences. A completed project, a renovated customer website, a new training program, an innovative product, or software enhancements are heralded as wonderful improvements. On the surface they appear as terrific as their champions proclaim.
Yet for those responsible for running the endeavor, training the new program, taking the customer complaint calls, debugging the software, or figuring out solutions to problems, that's not the perspective. Frustration mounts and blame is assigned.
We blame the architect, software developer, or project creator. We blame those responsible for not involving us, not understanding the audience, or not understanding the needs. We blame them for inferior results.
But here's the thing: most creators and designers and project leaders seek input. They ask for, cajole, encourage and request when project ideas are being developed and plans enhanced. But people say they're too busy to complete a survey or provide input. They want to help but don't have the time, assuming others will review the information carefully or provide end-user perspectives. Few do.
Having led numerous initiatives, managed hundreds of projects, and initiated scores of input and feedback sessions, I know first-hand there are but a handful who make time to provide the requested feedback. Communications are overlooked and meetings unattended. But when the buildings gets built, the projects get finished, or the software gets rolled out, people complain about problems and offer what should have been done.
Most of us ignore what people who are winning at working understand: superior products, services, structures, processes and companies require two-sided approaches. Great style and great function need both designer and user.
When people who are winning at working are asked for their input, they do the homework, review the specs, and analyze the prototype. They offer thoughtful suggestions, targeted perspectives, and valuable feedback, even if they don't have time or it's not their project.
People who are winning at working believe the responsibility for making and implementing the best products, services, or programs is always two-sided. No one needs to tell them that they share in that accountability since winning philosophies dictate their actions.
Want to be winning at working? Be part of those two-sided answers where you work.
(c) 2009 Nan S. Russell. All rights reserved.
Article Tags: architect software, architectural firm, customer complaint, customer website, duvet, frustration mounts, functional issues, green hotel, hotel experience, inferior results, innovative product, olympic challenge, platform bed, practicality, project ideas, project leaders, protective glass, soaking tub, software enhancements, work experiences
|
About the Author: Nan Russell RSS for Nan's articles - Visit Nan's website Nan S. Russell is the author of "Hitting Your Stride: Your Work, Your Way". She is also the host of "Work Matters with Nan Russell" weekly on webtalkradio.net. Nan Russell has spent over 20 years in management, most recently with QVC as Vice President. Sign up to receive Nan's "Winning at Working" tips and insights at http://www.nanrussell.com Click here to visit Nan's website Carved in Granite Its Personal Shades of Grey Changing Rules Big Hat No Cattle |
Related Forum Posts
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Executives and Elevators Perfecting That Pitch
Live To Work Or Work To Live?
Selling with Humor (and a Sorry Butt)
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.



