Use coaches language
A friend of mine knows more about cars than anyone I know. He runs his own auto repair shop.
He used to get super frustrated as he ran from person to person, problem to problem, helping his mechanics fix the difficult engine issues that stumped them. He blamed his team.
That is, until he changed his language (and his mindset).
“I learned to be a coach,” he says, “Not a dictator, victim, or rescuer.”
Now, instead of saying things like “You’re driving me crazy,” or “Just get it done!” he tells them to Only come to him with a problem after:
They have tried everything they can,
Asked someone else for help, and
Have a recommendation or suggestion?
Now, he doesn’t spend his time solving someone other people’s problems, or thinking that his team is incompetent.
His team is also more content, growing their skills and being part of a great team.
