In the process of coaching a CEO, I saw him delegating a work to his subordinate. After explaining the result that he expected, he took a commitment from his junior officer about completion day and date. After taking instructions, the officer went to work.
The CEO however could never trust and believed in constant follow up till the work gets done.
I saw him constantly checking with the officer on the shape the task was taking. His constant follow up was creating a panic in the subordinate officer making him nervous and delaying the work. The more the work got delayed, higher was the pressure from the CEO resulting in mistakes and creating more panic.
Observing the situation I shared this story with the CEO.
A Zen master gave some precious seeds to a few disciples. He asked them to sow the seeds and reap the benefit. After a few days all of them reported that their seeds had sprouted and started growing. They were looking forward to a good crop.
One disciple was upset and told the master, “I worked the hardest. I am upset and drained, since none of the seeds I had sown have sprouted.”
The Master asked, “What did you do”?
The disciple answered, “Others were lazy and did not follow up till the seeds sprouted. I am the only one, who dug the soil everyday to check whether the seeds had sprouted.”
The Master answered “you need to learn the art of not working for work to happen”…………..
Geethan
