Adding Too Much Value

A classic problem of smart, successful people is Adding Too Much Value. This bad habit can be defined as the overwhelming desire to add our two cents to every discussion. A slight variation on Winning Too Much, Adding Too Much Value is common among leaders who are used to running the show. Marshall Goldsmith shares his take on workplace behaviour that can make a difference in team building

- Marshall Goldsmith

It is extremely difficult for successful people to listen to other people tell them something that they already know without communicating somehow that (a) they already knew it and (b) they know a better way.

What is the problem with adding too much value? It would seem like it would be better for all concerned if our ideas were always improved upon. It's not. Imagine an energetic, enthusiastic employee comes into your office with an idea. She excitedly shares the idea with you. You think it's a great idea. Instead of saying, “Great idea, you say, That's a nice idea. Why don't you add this to it? What does this do? It deflates her enthusiasm; it dampers her commitment. While the quality of the idea may go up 5 percent, her commitment to execute it may go down 50 percent. That's because it's no longer her idea, it's now your idea.

Effectiveness of Execution = a) Quality of the idea x b) My commitment to make it work.