Make Me Some Chicken Nuggets!

That was my direction to my team—as I handed them a pound of ground beef.

Then in frustration, I asked, “Why can’t you give me chicken nuggets?!?”
Dammit. What’s so hard about this?

Eventually, my frustration with my team faded… and frustration with myself kicked in, thanks to a conversation with a friend. Let me explain.

I wasn’t actually asking for chicken nuggets. What I meant was that I wanted them to keep leveling up—delivering QUALITY creative and strategy. But while my expectations were clear in my head, my actions told a different story. I wasn’t handing them ground beef, but I was definitely putting processes and policies in place that made it nearly impossible for them to deliver what I was asking for.

My friend has worked at four different advertising agencies—two that were stuck in mediocrity and two that have gone on to do amazing things. As he broke down the differences between them—their leadership, their mindset, how they worked—it hit me like a ton of bricks.

I had been leading my team with the same mindset and structure as the stuck agencies.

Oof. Gut punch.

“Give me QUALITY strategy and creative.”

That’s been my mantra. But at the same time, I was handing them procedures that handcuffed their ability to actually do it.

So here’s my challenge to you, fellow accidental leaders: Are you setting your team up to successfully execute the strategies and tactics needed to reach your vision?

If you're frustrated with your team for not hitting the mark, first look in the mirror and ask, “What’s my role in this?” Then go find a trusted fellow leader—someone who won’t blow smoke up your ass. Someone who will ask honest questions and help you see what you’re too close to recognize on your own.

For me, it took just one honest conversation. One friend. One question. Less than an hour. And suddenly I could see the obstacle clearly—and start getting out of my own way.