Stop Whining, Start Thinking

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Ram Charan Matthew Wilson

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As you do, he will probably give you a longer leash.

And let's go back to your original premise. He may be a micromanager who somehow has succeeded in spite of that. If that's the case, figure out which measures he uses to track progress. If it is, for example, return on capital, show that you are a master of setting prices—and knowing when to raise and lower them—and getting the most out of the company's money. You are trying to build trust. The more he trusts you to perform, the less likely he is to hover over everything you do.

Dear Ram,

Linda, Mexico City

Dear Linda,

Your question gives us a chance to demolish the myth that managers need to generate ideas on their own.

Your job is to create the team that can do that. On your own, you might come up with one big idea every two years. Your team is likely to produce multiples of that.

So think of yourself as a coach leading the people who can generate ideas. Engage them in everything from brainstorming sessions to in-depth discussions about what they are noticing in the marketplace, what they are hearing from people who deal with customers every day, and what the customers themselves are saying.

You and your team need to practice these idea-generating and observation skills over and over, just like an athlete does drills, until they become second nature. This will ensure a steady flow of new ideas.

Once the ideas are flowing, the second part of your job is to figure out a way to convert them into products and services that generate revenues and profits with manageable risk. Every manager or leader must incorporate innovation and productivity into their daily activities.

You don't have to be an innovation genius. Your genius is leading people and getting them excited about creating a consistent flow of ideas. You can do that without adding to your company's bureaucracy.

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Ram Charan coaches CEOs and companies on strategy. He is the co-author (with Larry Bossidy) of the best-selling book Execution. His latest book is The Game-Changer, written with Procter & Gamble Chairman and CEO A.G. Lafley.