The Messy Middle Matters podcast shines a much-needed spotlight on the workplace’s unsung heroes—the ones who work in, survive in, and even thrive in the “messy middle.”
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The Messy Middle Matters podcast shines a much-needed spotlight on the workplace’s unsung heroes—the ones who work in, survive in, and even thrive in the “messy middle.”
Ep 39: It Sounds Like Empowerment, But It’s Actually Avoidance w/ Amanda Jane Lee
The Messy Middle Matters
34 minutes
1 month ago
Ep 39: It Sounds Like Empowerment, But It’s Actually Avoidance w/ Amanda Jane Lee
In this episode, Indra and Amanda discuss the complexities of co-creation in the workplace, particularly when it comes to leadership dynamics and the responsibilities that come with collaboration. They explore the importance of providing structure in collaborative efforts, the pitfalls of starting from a blank slate, and the need for clear expectations and communication. The conversation also touches on the challenges of goal setting, particularly with OKRs, and the significance of documenting contributions to avoid repeating past mistakes. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the need for both leaders and team members to understand their roles and responsibilities in collaborative projects.
Takeaways
Co-creation can often feel like a delegation of responsibilities.
Leaders should come prepared to collaborate, not just delegate.
Providing structure is essential for effective collaboration.
Blank slates can lead to confusion and misalignment.
People often don't know what they want until they see it.
Documenting past experiences can help avoid future pitfalls.
Understanding your bandwidth is crucial before taking on new tasks.
Negotiating expectations can lead to better outcomes.
The concept of 'what's in it for me' is important for all parties.
OKRs should not be a bottom-up process without clear guidance.
Useful Links
The Messy Middle Matters Merch: messymiddlemerch.com
The Messy Middle Matters Glossary: messymiddlematters.com/glossary
Feedback for The Messy Middle Matters: messymiddlematters.com/feedback
Amanda Jane Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajanelee/
Indra Klavins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indrak/
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Co-Creation in the Workplace
01:47 The Challenges of Role Definition
04:58 The Importance of Structure in Collaboration
07:47 The Value of Providing Context
10:59 Understanding Leadership Dynamics
13:44 Assessing Personal Boundaries and Responsibilities
16:56 Negotiating Expectations and Outcomes
19:51 The Slippery Slope of Helping
22:52 The Pitfalls of Bottom-Up Goal Setting
25:56 Documenting and Learning from Experiences
33:25 Outro
The Messy Middle Matters
The Messy Middle Matters podcast shines a much-needed spotlight on the workplace’s unsung heroes—the ones who work in, survive in, and even thrive in the “messy middle.”
