The problem with value adding

Adding to Marshall's theories, value adding by superiors can also pose as an obstacle to process improvements.

This is pretty new to me, since I thought value adding is always a good thing.

Say you are a boss, and your subordinate comes in with a brilliant suggestion. In order to show how "smart" you are (see previous post), you end up saying "This is a good idea, but it could have been better if...."

On one hand, it may sound like the 2 of you have now make a great idea, but what happens is that by adding your 5% input, you have unknowingly weakened his "ownership" of the idea by 50%. When his idea becomes "your" idea, he becomes less enthusiastic to implement it.

And the result becomes less ideal as compared to you just saying "That's a good idea. Please proceed to carry it out."

"But" and "However" are killer words.

Saying "This is a good idea, but it could have been better if...."
is equivalent to saying
"The idea is not good. Let me tell you what you should do instead...."

Sometimes losing a little will make you gain much more.
If only you can learn to talk less and listen more.
And stopped showing how smart you are.

About the Author: Shingo T should stop writing about Marshall's ideas, lest he kenna a copyright lawsuit. So go get your copy now, all you low EQ managers.