Thread by @swardley

X : We have a problem with our people.
Me : What?
X : Most lack digital skills necessary and those we hire keep on leaving. We need to make our culture more dynamic, more digital, more agile.
Me : That's easy to fix.
X : How?
Me : Fire your direct reports and then fire yourself.

X : You're a bit of a clown aren't you?
Me : No, I'm serious. The problem is not your people, it's your leadership. It's crap. You're crap. You need to go for the good of the organisation. You won't nor will your direct reports and so this will just continue until the firm dies.

X : How do we make this better?
Me : Spend a small fortune on sending yourself and your reports on leadership courses and coaching in sunny locations.
X : Will it help?
Me : Yes. It'll get you out of the factory so that people on the floor can get on with what needs to happen.

X : I'm not a bad leader.
Me : Anyone who starts by blaming their people, their lack of training, their culture and how they keep on leaving is atrocious. You haven't got an ounce of leadership in you. You're not bad as in evil, you're just hopeless.

X : What would you do then?
Me : I'd start by first admitting to myself that I was out of my depth and then ask for help.
X : Let me guess, from consultants like you?
Me : No. From the people you think you have a problem with, the "our people". They'll have the answers you need.