Chapter 5- Why People Do or Do Not Do- Context for Taking Action

How often have you asked someone to do an assignment, at work or at home, only to find it was not done? Did you think that person was defiant, lazy, or had a bad attitude?  That’s often what we think first. It is frustrating and disappointing. It is hard not to take it personally. We feel disrespected. Likely, that was not the intent at all.

We are all human. All human actions take place within a specific context.

Humans must be capable, willing, enabled, and triggered to take action!

Are they CAPABLE?

  • Do they understand what you are asking them to do?        
  • Do they know how to do it?  Have they done it before, or need more direction?

Are they WILLING?

  • Are they afraid of failure? 
  • Are they afraid of success?
    (E.g., they may get stuck doing this or it may eliminate their job.)        
  • Do they think they are the wrong person to ask to do this? 
  •  Do they believe what you are asking should be done?

Are they ENABLED?

  • Do they have the necessary resources, time, personnel, funds, supplies, and/or technology to do what you are asking them to do? 
  • Do they believe they have the necessary agency, e.g., authorities or political clout? 

Are they TRIGGERED?

  • Do they know your expectations?
  • Do they know it is their responsibility to act? 
  • Do they know when they should act?

If they are not capable, willing, and enabled, it will likely not happen, or at least not to your expectations.  So, what do you do? You need to fill in the gaps!

Here are some suggestions

Capable

  • Provide training materials, classes, tutors, mentors, and clear directions.     
  • Set up review points so that you and they know they are on the right track. 
  • Break larger efforts into smaller, manageable tasks to create smaller successes before they go on to the next step.

Willing

  • Share the impact they can make by completing the task. Provide a “higher calling”. 
  • Relate how it could enhance their personal growth and explain ‘what's in it for them’.  
  • Empower them to give it a try. Let them know they will not be punished if they are not successful. Praise their initiative so they are motivated and feel safe to try again.   
  • Ensure them that it is a one-time ‘ask’ only, if it truly is, and show appreciation for their willingness to take it on this time to help the cause.   

Enabled

  • Ask them upfront what resources they will need to complete the task when you need it. Provide the resources. When needed, work together to adjust the plan.
  • Help them reprioritize their workload or reassign some of their other work so they have time to take on the new effort.
  • Let other stakeholders know that you have assigned this project to them, so all know they have the authority to execute your direction.
  • Or assure them that they have the clout. They may see themselves in a new light. Let them know that if their authority is challenged, you will have their back.

Triggered

  • Be clear on your expectations of them, including schedules, priorities, updates, and end results.
  • Be clear on the conditions that should ‘trigger’ their action and when.

Richard taught his granddaughter how to cook pizza. Richard provided the recipe, did checkpoints, and shared corrections and praise along the way. Clara had the right ingredients and cooking equipment.  She knew it did not have to look perfectly round. She just wanted it to taste good. Clara was proud and excited to provide a yummy dinner for her family to enjoy together!

Richard’s Pizza Recipe

Richard’s Kid Friendly Pizza Recipe 

  • Prep the toppings per kids’ preference
  • ○
    Veggies, e.g.:
  • ■
    Thinly sliced onions 
  • ■
     Thinly sliced peppers 
  • ■
     Sliced mushrooms 
  • ■
     Cherry tomato halves 
  • ■
     Torn spinach 
  • ■
     Small pieces of slightly roasted vegetables, e.g., broccoli, carrots, or artichoke hearts pieces 
  • ○
    Proteins, e.g.:
  • ■
    Canned black beans, rinsed and seasoned with cumin 
  • ■
    Sliced kielbasa sausage 
  • ■
    Pepperoni 
  • ■
    Canned or leftover shredded chicken 
  • ■
    Hot dog pieces 
  • ■
    Leftover or cooked hamburger pieces  
  • Prepare the Crust
  • ○
    1 store-bought mini-crust for each diner, prepared per instructions on the package
  • Preheat the oven (ideally with a pizza stone in it) at least 425°F to as much as 500°
  • Spread the Sauce on the Crust
  • 1/4 cup (less or more depending on size of the crust) of store-bought Marinara sauce or pizza sauce, spread with the back of a large spoon
  • Sprinkle Seasoning on Top
  • Very light sprinkling of kid friendly  seasoning such as granulated garlic or Italian Seasoning  
  • Sprinkle Cheese on Top
  • ○
    1 small handful or so of shredded cheese, such as  mozzarella, cheddar, mixed packages(e.g., cheddar, Mexican, Italian), feta  
  • Add Prepped Toppings
  • Small handfuls, encourage creativity (e.g., clown faces)  
  • Bake on a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese begins to bubble and the toppings are heated through