Same...but different...but the same
One of the best managers I’ve ever worked for used to say “I think we’re both saying the same thing but in different ways”. 9 times out of 10 we weren’t actually saying the same thing, but it was their way of trying to make me think we were, before we followed their direction…on reflection it was pretty effective.
Often in work, multiple people can be saying the same thing, but because of our positions or agendas, we can often miss that and assume their opinion is different or contrary to ours. When I think about my experience working with deskless workers, I’ve often encountered frustrated managers and employees, and when you dig a little you’d realise that they are actually frustrated about the same things, but saying them in different ways. In my experience, looking at the problem from the perspective of the other person can often help see that you have the same concern, just from a slightly different angle or even desired outcome.
I was recently asked who Blink - The Frontline Experts was actually for, Employees or Managers. That’s a big question, because ultimately the budget is going to come from “the company” and often the business case for Blink will be based on a company level goal or target. But on the flip side, our product makes a measurable impact for deskless workers and helps them be productive, informed and engaged at work.
Then it struck me, it’s for everyone!!....and they all lived happily ever after….I know that sounds cheesy, but stick with me :-) . Many of the problems that Blink can solve, and value that Blink brings to teams and businesses, can solve the same issue for your employees and teams.
So let’s take a look at some examples……
( NB: all businesses are different, these are just real life experiences I've had)
In all of these examples, the core of the problem is shared between employers and employees, and even though the specific concerns may initially feel very different, the desired end state for both groups is the same.
In my experience, many company's decide to see these as unsolvable or problems that the other group isn't interested in. But digging a little deeper shows that there are shared goals in all of these areas, and when there is a shared goal, then getting there becomes so much easier.
So as we approach 2024, what are the areas that you aren't putting on your goals because you think your employees aren't interested? or you've tried before? What are the areas you stopped asking your employees about because you think you'll get a negative response, when maybe they want the same thing you do?
Blink isn’t about coming in and telling you how you should be running your teams or what you are getting wrong. We often approach partnerships with businesses with a blank page. We know the impact that Blink can have, but it’s most effective when it’s adapted to fit your specific business needs.