Has a member of your team become completely concerned about how something is done rather than whether it is done?
Is it a problem when someone is completely focused is on how something is done? What do you do about it?
A good starting point for exploring these questions is a quote from John Gardner’s book Self-Renewal:
…goals are achieved by some means, and sooner or later even the most impulsive man of action will discover that some ways of achieving the goal are more effective than others. A concern for how to do it is the root of all great craftsmanship, and accounts for all of the styles in human performance. Without it we would never know the peak of human performance.
Yet, ironically, this concern for “how it is done” is also one of the diseases of which societies die. Little by little, preoccupation with method, technique and procedure gains a subtle dominance over the whole process of goal seeking. How it is done becomes more important than whether it is done. Means triumph over ends. Form triumphs over spirit. Method is enthroned. Men become prisoners of their procedures, and organizations that were designed to achieve some goal become obstacles in the path to that goal.
ISBN 0-393-30112-5, p. 47
I have worked with method zealots. They seem to have a recipe for every situation. If the recipe produces a vial tasting concoction, it’s your fault: You must have messed up because the recipe always produces the desired result.
Is a process zealot a problem? If they — despite your efforts to open their eyes — remain completely unconcerned about the results you need to achieve, they are a problem. They are oblivious to your needs. How can they assess the effectiveness of the methods they advocate without some focus on the desired results?
For instance, I have heard zealots argue that SCRUM is the one true way. I have heard other zealots argue that XP is the one true way. The desired result, which is part of the context for using a method, wasn’t even discussed.
I respect a fine craftsperson. But even the finest craftsperson can’t create a universal method that will work in every situation. Every information technology leader owes it to themselves and their investors to constantly test the effectiveness of the methods they are using.
What do I suggest you do about a process zealot? Replace them with a craftsperson who cares about both method and results. Methods are supposed to serve you rather than enslave you. Don’t worship methods (or plans). If a method has you on a collision with an iceberg, change course.
If you need help changing course, I can help. Contact me.
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