Today’s Tuesday Reading is from Marcia Dority, Program Leader and Leadership Coach at MOR Associates. Marcia may be reached at [email protected] or via LinkedIn.
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” Arthur Ashe
One of my big takeaways from my high school math classes is the phrase “show your math.” While math was not my best subject, it taught me the importance of showing how you found the answer, not only the answer itself. I quickly figured out I could get partial credit for demonstrating how I approached the math problem. This was better than no credit for guessing at the answer.
A common leadership maxim is “Don’t come to me with problems, bring me solutions.”
The idea of “show your math” requires that we demonstrate the steps taken to come to a solution. This is a powerful reminder that the process of working through a problem, showing what resources and/or reasoning were used to find the solution, is a tremendous learning opportunity. We can “show your math” individually or as a team. This is an opportunity to lead from where you are in your organization.
To illustrate how to show your math, I want to focus on the MOR mantra: Feedback is a Gift. We introduce this mantra at the first workshop in all our leadership programs. What resonates with me are the two questions asked in conjunction with this concept:
- What went well?
- What would you/we do differently next time?
These “show your math” of your efforts toward an outcome. The first question requires identifying the thing(s) you want to replicate in the future. This is a first draft for finding a formula for success. The second question provides for reflection on how you could improve in the future. Feedback when used in this way represents a growth mindset, the opportunity to improve because we are intentional about investing in the next time. While these two questions are typically asked when coaching or developing a person or team, I also use them each week during my Friday reflection to show my math.
One of the benefits of showing my math for what went well, along with what I would do differently the next time, is identifying those formulas for success. I recall my high school geometry teacher discussing the many formulas available to solve a problem. Know which formula to use for a particular problem. As leaders, we know the correct formula can solve the problem. To find the answer we must ask the right questions. Showing our math demonstrates the process or steps used so that we solve the issue. “Show your math” reminds us to share what we are working on with others. If we cannot explain the issue, we need to rethink what we are trying to solve for.
I highlight below several Tuesday Readings focusing on particular tools from the MOR Leadership framework. These are formulas for success that can help “show your math.” As leaders, we know that context matters. Applying these tools can be a game-changer for our organizations as we navigate uncertain times that require solving for the unknown.
- Get up on the Balcony: Strategic Leadership with Curiosity and Excitement
- Three Lenses: From Railways to Three Lenses: Embracing Change in Leadership
- Be Intentional: Sticky Visual and Emotional Communication
- Presence: Know Thyself – The Fourth Way
Which tool in the MOR Leadership Framework do you use most to “show your math” to others?
- Describing the view from getting up on the balcony
- Leveraging the three lenses to understand the context
- Being intentional in communicating why
- Sharing thinking related to your presence
Last week we asked where you could most benefit from focusing on your growth as your leadership journey continues:
- 31% said being more strategic about relationships
- 23% said taking consistent action
- 29% said pursuing a stretch goal
- 17% said demonstrating a growth mindset
A common thread between all of these goals is consistent intentionality. Whether related to relationships, momentum, strategic focus, or our learning and development, taking intentional actions consistently is key to achieving our goals. A small intentional change, done consistently over time, can yield big results. What is one small change you can begin, or restart, in service of your goals? Two months left in 2025. Make it a strong finish!