Enjoying the View from the Backseat: Project Support for Research and Facilitation

Photo by Marc Pagliuca on Unsplash

Taking the scenic route in our lives is something few of us have the leisure to do. Most of us are in a hurry, enjoying the destination more than the journey itself. Many of us are drivers, leaders, of our organizations and companies and feel we don’t have the time to enjoy the view from the backseat. We’d rather take the wheel and hold on for dear life to make sure we get where we want to go on time. 

So, what can you gain from enjoying the view from the backseat? Doesn’t everyone say it's better to be in control of everything you possibly can be so nothing goes wrong? Sometimes, changing your vantage point can give you new insights into your organization or stakeholders. When approaching your next project, consider how you might benefit from getting out of the drivers seat and participating in the process. Below are two scenarios where letting someone else drive can be beneficial.

Contextual Research

We work with invested leaders who have deep expertise in their areas. Sometimes, there will be big questions they want to explore but they’re just too close. Their deep expertise can become an unwieldy roadblock to a new perspective. Bringing in a team to design and conduct their research allows leaders to participate in the process, learn valuable insights, and ideate possible paths forward while also maintaining their daily work.

An independent research team can access feelings and opinions that your audience may struggle to articulate directly to you or your organization, especially if you are providing them with important resources. Working with an independent research team allows stakeholders to remain anonymous which creates a level of comfort so they can be more transparent. Ultimately, this results in more honest and useful information.

Facilitation

Board retreats, staff retreats, ideation sessions, strategic planning sessions - there are certain times when it’s beneficial for leaders to be involved in the process with their team rather than leading from the front of the room. Bringing in someone else to facilitate and lead can give leaders the welcomed chance to participate and connect with their teams. This shift lets leaders build into the process, not just the outcome. By becoming participants, leaders create the necessary space for others’ thoughts and ideas to come to the forefront. Leaders become champions of good ideas - wherever they come from - which helps teams feel supported and heard. 

Sometimes taking a backseat and letting someone else drive can provide valuable insights and perspectives. Whether through research or facilitation, bringing in an independent team can help leaders gain a better understanding of their organization and stakeholders. This can offer a fresh viewpoint, enabling leaders to see the bigger picture and make more informed decisions. Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance between control and collaboration to achieve the best outcomes. How might you be able to enjoy the view from the backseat in your upcoming project?