Rock the Boat or Get Off It

Why Courageous Communication is Essential for a Growing Business
August 28, 2024 by
Rock the Boat or Get Off It
Micro Mutiny Inc., Tera Warner



"Success is not a random act. It arises out of a predictable and powerful set of circumstances and opportunities."


Malcolm Gladwell



In the face of stress, pressure, confusion, and unpredictable events,  any person, no matter how courageous, can get that “deer in the headlights" feeling. We might back down, hesitate, and fail to take action to move forward. But there's one rather insidious kind of stressful pressure that shouldn't be tolerated or indulged in any business aiming to expand: the unwillingness to "rock the boat" or "ruffle feathers" in the name of getting things done.


There's a crucial difference between manners, etiquette, socially attentive communication tactics, and avoidance, cowardice, and a lack of direct confront. When team members in a business permit silence in the face of confusion and overwhelm, you might as well start digging a professional grave before you even get out of the gates. Communication is the currency of every channel of productivity in business, and where it's discouraged, prevented, obstructed, or interfered with, Houston, we have a problem!



Mess Happens: Get Into It Before You Try to Get Out Of It


Everyone messes up, makes mistakes, calls wrong shots, or poorly estimates the resources required to make things happen. That's life. But we learn best by doing what's required and failing at it enough that we start learning what it takes to get things right. Stumbling toward excellence isn't a quick process – it's about as simple as learning to walk. You've just forgotten how many times you had to bumble on your diapered behind before you figured that out.


Success isn't born; it's built out of a disorienting set of messes that lead to something good, or at least a little better. If you know your intention is to learn, grow, communicate, and improve, roll up your sleeves and be willing to cause problems, confusions, and disruptions to make it happen. Encountering obstacles and confusions is inevitable in business and life. How we handle them—confront, communicate, and overcome them—is what makes us feel alive. 


When you can take the hit straight in the gullet and communicate about your challenges and confusions, you can start getting good fast!


The real problems in business and life arise when silence becomes the acceptable status quo in the face of confusion. When people are more inclined to shut up than mess up, you've got leaks in your boat, and crew members unlikely to call SOS until you're sinking beyond repair.


Think about it: the idiom itself proves my case. The idea that we shouldn't "rock the boat" is a dangerous concept. Boats are ergonomically designed for rocking in order to stay afloat under the pressure of winds and waves. The only boats that don't rock have gone aground.

The image depicts a large boat sailing on choppy waters under a dramatic sky, with some people confidently steering while others appear hesitant or ready to leave, symbolizing resilience, change, and decision-making.




"When we feel safe inside the organization, we will naturally combine our talents and strengths and work tirelessly to face the dangers outside and seize the opportunities."


Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat Last




Inspire Courageous Communication in Business


Where people know they can safely communicate their observations and confusions, progress happens more easily, and a strong, cohesive team is built to overcome obstacles together. Ethical leadership means showing up to greet what is there as it is, not coating it in glitter paint or bloated words. We need to facilitate an environment where communication is possible, and that means being willing to rock the boat and keep sailing under the pressure of weather and tides over time!


Leaders and business executives aren't off the hook for having to communicate in the face of pressure and confusion. You don't get to cheerily offer words of encouragement and support to your stumbling crew while you sit in a gilded tower. Get some grit in your own teeth as you risk falling your way upward. If your team is flailing, it's almost certain some of that has to do with you, too!


By not communicating openly, leaders inadvertently reinforce the idea that only their voices matter, leading to disengagement and a lack of ownership among team members.

 


"A silent team is a scared team. When people don't feel safe to speak up, the organization suffers from missed opportunities and undetected errors."


David L. Marquet,  "Leadership is Language," 




Enhancing Communication with Odoo


You can walk away, now. Take the wisdom above and apply it to your family, your friend group and your professional team of go getters getting things done. 


But if you came here looking for love in the form of streamlined and scalable ERP for long term business success, then let's explore how we leverage the suite of applications within Odoo to deliver effective communication policies and artfully delivered strategic plans that make progress possible.


Here's how we make that happen:


Creating an environment where communication is possible is crucial, and tools like Odoo's ERP facilitate this by enhancing transparency and communication across all parts of a business. Here are some Odoo apps that make a significant impact:


    1. Streamlined Internal Communication 

    Odoo Discuss enables real-time communication through chat channels, direct messages, and integrated email. This centralization reduces the need for multiple communication platforms, and ensures everyone stays on the same page, streamlining collaborative efforts.


    Odoo Discuss Application Icon
    2. Enhanced Employee Management

    Odoo HR manages employee records, attendance, appraisals, and more. By providing a transparent and accessible platform for all HR-related activities, employees feel more engaged and informed. This transparency helps in recognizing and addressing issues promptly, ensuring that your team remains motivated and productive.

    Odoo HR Management Icon
    2. Clear Project Tracking & Collaboration

    Odoo Project offers tools like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and task assignments to track project progress. With clear visibility into project status and responsibilities, team members can better coordinate their efforts and stay aligned with project goals. This transparency ensures that everyone knows their role and how it contributes to the bigger picture.

    Odoo Project Management Icon


Transforming Aspirations into Actions


At MicroMutiny, we believe in the power of courageous communication and ethical leadership. By leveraging Odoo's powerful suite of apps, businesses can enhance transparency, streamline operations, and foster an environment where real communication is possible.



Follow us into battle!


The fight for a better world begins with a high-responsibility business culture and ethical leadership. No amount of fancy financial forecasts or politically correct policies can replace the sweat on your brow, the grit in your fingernails, and the satisfying sting of exhaustion from a hard day's work well-lived. As technical innovation progresses at a breakneck pace, the fundamental truths of life, business, and what it takes to build a confident, competent team remain unchanged.


A mutiny against mediocrity has begun. Reach out and join us in standing up to the status quo.