Closed Highways, Leadership Responsibility, and Removing Obstacles

Living in a metroplex has its benefits: 2 Costco’s within 20 minutes, same-day delivery options from Amazon, and too many restaurants to dine at over a lifetime – but the traffic is wild. From 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM daily, a typically 20-minute drive can take anywhere from 45-60 minutes, and that is without the possible variables of construction or an accident.

I was recently driving to church for a worship rehearsal, taking a route that normally takes me 25 minutes, and got caught in traffic due to the highway being closed. Like the whole highway completely blocked off. After 20 minutes on the on-ramp, I finally made it to the detour and was back on my way, thinking I would only be 5-10 minutes late. Then I missed my exit. For the next 40 minutes, maps attempted to route me to the correct location, and every highway on-ramp I was redirected to take was blocked off by orange construction cones. I was caught on the wrong side of the highway and had no idea how to get beyond the obstacles.

This can happen in our work (and the work of our team members), causing delays, frustration, or even causing us to give up on the goal we set out to achieve altogether. As leaders, being aware of and removing obstacles for our team is essential. One of the best bosses I ever worked for was a champion at removing obstacles for me. I didn’t always see him remove the obstacles, but I could feel the impact. The work that he did in the background allowed me to run unhindered into the work I was asked to complete, and it’s one of the best things that we can do for our teams.

Obstacles Defined: Internal and External Interference

To understand how to remove obstacles, we must first be aware of what types of obstacles we may face. An obstacle can be defined as anything that slows down or limits your ability to complete your work. Obstacles can be communication gaps, unclear processes, differences of opinion in how the work should be completed, or can even be internal dialogue around the ability to complete tasks or the work at hand. When we help team members navigate their work by clearing obstacles, we allow them to bring their best to each task/project, unhindered.

There are typically two groups that obstacles can be broken up into: internal and external interference.

1. Internal interferences are things that affect mental and emotional state. This could present as insecurity, frustration, confusion, feeling overwhelmed by the work, ect. Everyone experiences and processes internal interference differently, some team members may become quiet and withdrawn while others may become more vocal about frustrations or concerns. As a leader, when you notice a change in someone’s presence, it’s a great time to slow down and ask, “How are you doing/feeling?”

2. External interferences are things in the environment that are hindering progress. Often, these interferences are outside of the direct control of the individual. This could look like distractingly loud music or conversations, unending notifications from work or personal technology, interruptions from co-workers, unexpected changes in goals and deadlines, ect. When a team member is experiencing external interference, they may be less organized, miss deadlines, or have a noticeable change in their overall performance. This is a great time to ask, “Where are you getting stuck?”

Silencing Internal Interference as a Leader

Here are a couple of ways that we can help team members navigate internal obstacles:

1. Create clarity – Clarity is a gift. Most of the work of leading is defining clear goals, with actionable steps, and measurable outcomes, silencing the potential of confusion from unclear communication and goals. When we do this, our teams can do the work that only they can do, and often, they will bring innovation and solutions that we might not have thought of, simply because of clear communication and goals.

2. Be a sounding board – As leaders, we don’t have to have all the answers, even if it feels like it. Our teams are filled with brilliance, and they usually have the answers within themselves. When we create space for dialogue, listening, and asking questions, we allow them to process and ultimately uncover solutions and ideas within their own minds, silencing insecurity and doubt in their ability.

3. Ask, “How are you?” – When deadlines are quickly approaching, it can be easy to fall into only talking about the tasks to be completed. But often the greatest hindrance to a team member’s output is their internal dialogue. If they are navigating frustrations or feeling overwhelmed, it can cloud their ability to think clearly. Checking in on them as people, not just employees, can lead to uncovering these obstacles, allowing you to lean in, share encouragement, and invite the Lord in through prayer.

Navigating External Interference as a Leader

While we cannot always remove all external obstacles, we can create systems and cultures that support an environment where teams can thrive:

1. Build an Empowered Team – Set transparent goals and measurables so that your team operates independently and empower your team to make decisions within their realm of responsibility. Instill a feedback culture where your team can navigate minor interferences themselves while also feeling comfortable bringing larger concerns to you directly.

2. Curate your Environment – Schedule “open door” timeframes for discussions and feedback to limit possible disruptions. Implement focus hours where non-essential notifications are turned off, using resources like Do Not Disturb.

3. Optimize Communications – Use tools to streamline communication (e.g., email filters, automated responses) and keep communication relevant to those who need it. Encourage your team to use features like statuses in Slack to share their availability throughout the day. Use written communication for updates when applicable, rather than defaulting to additional meetings.

Overcoming Obstacles and Closing Thoughts

For the record, despite all the setbacks, I did end up making it to worship rehearsal (almost 40 minutes late). While I wish there would have been someone that could have cleared the way for me sooner, I was able to eventually navigate the obstacles and find my way. Obstacles in work are much the same.

As leaders, we can do everything in our control to support our team in removing obstacles, but some cannot be removed, they must be navigated. Ultimately, obstacles are an opportunity for growth and learning. They are opportunities to develop in agility and resilience for our teams, and for us as leaders. So, if you find yourself stuck on the on-ramp of a closed highway, embrace the developmental journey found in overcoming obstacles, and in helping your teams to do the same.

Amanda Visser

Project Manager, Threefold Solutions

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