Predictability in this unpredictable world
Warren Buffett invests only in a business whose future earnings are predictable to a high degree of certainty. As he quotes “companies with predictable earnings have good business economics and produce cash that can be reinvested or paid out to shareholders. The stock price will eventually reflect this growth.”
Some said he was boring and predictable, he was not as flamboyant as Sehwag or Tendulkar. But what he provided the Indian cricket team was much-needed stability and consistency. He remains the unsung hero for many triumphs, one of the most famous knocks ever remembered of Indian cricket VVS 281 was with Dravid’s solid 180. The opposition knew what they are going to get and so did the Indian team. His team turned to him every time they needed a solution, every time they had to plug a hole “The wall” “The crisis man” delivered.
The prototypical leader is a hero: gives the rousing speech, inspires the troops, and shows up at the last minute to save the day. At least that’s how leaders are portrayed.
However, when we peel the onion and take evidence (data) driven approach, it debunks this conventional wisdom on how great leaders behave and great teams are built.
We live in VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous)world and it leaves little space for us to be even more inconsistent. But then why is predictability undervalued, despite being so important?
I pondered over a few scenario that all of us face almost every working day which adds to the unpredictability. Have you heard the following in your meetings?
- “Sorry for joining late, I was on another call”
- “Let’s give folks another couple of minutes to join”
- “I am not sure he/she will join — let me try and ask”
- “Can we stay on for few more minutes we are yet to discuss few things”
Self-introspection test: Try and answer the question below yourself.
- Do you RSVP to every meeting that comes in your inbox?
- A good practice is to decline/tentative with a message let the sender know the reason
- Is your calendar double booked?
- Unless you can quantum superposition yourself into multiple places do the right thing and let the sender know that you won’t be able to make it
- How often you chat or read emails during meetings ?
I am no saint, here is what my data tells me when I analyzed my meetings for the past 4 weeks — Try it yourself Microsoft gives you the power. https://myanalytics.microsoft.com
- 88% had no overlap
- 56% invites sent at least a day in advance
- 92% joined on time
- 91% no emails or chats during meetings
- 70% of meetings during working hours
Effective leadership is never about being a dramatic hero. Instead, it’s about providing consistent support to your team by being willing to be seen as boring and predictable.
Small improvements can make a big difference.
Do share your thoughts !!
#KeepLearning #PredictabilityMatters