Shut Up and Let Me Go… To Work. A Leadership Lesson.

LetMeGo will allow lodging staffs to update their lodging listing information. Among many of other things, they will be able to upload pictures. As the perfectionist and web-development-control-freak that I am, I documented many detailed requirements and ideas for this feature. This technique tends to work pretty well as it reduces the level of anxiety of the designer and developer, it helps with estimates, etc.

Lucho had the responsibility of implementing and coding the requirements and screens that I had envisioned. As he started to work on it, he told me that he didn’t like some of the ideas that I had proposed. He thought that we could do better. We started discussing the issue right away. My ideas were already documented and crystal clear. Lucho’s ideas, based on the Flickr interfaces he has experienced as a photographer, were still vague. I was sure that I had enough arguments for my ideas to be considered as the best alternative.

What did I do, then? I gave up on the argument. I told to Lucho: “Okay. Go ahead and implement your ideas. Work with Maestro” (LetMeGo’s designer) “and come up with the interface to upload pictures by yourself. Do your best. Surprise me”. Lucho took on the challenge right on the spot.

A few days after, Lucho and Maestro sent me the result of their work. I was, in fact, surprised. The picture management picture they developed is, by far, the best that the lodging industry has ever seen. It is easy to use, quick, and candy to the eye. Those of you that use LetMeGo in the future as lodging staff members will be able to experience it first hand. I am sure you will agree with me.

What was my lesson from here, then? Some people may think that the lesson is simple: “Learn to trust your team“. They are right, but there is more… I was reminded of a quote from the main character in the movie “Thank You for Smoking” (the plot evolves around a lobbyist that tries to convince lawmakers that smoking is nothing worst than eating cheese). He says “That’s the beauty of an argument, if you argue correctly, you’re never wrong.” I think he is right. Knowing how to argue is good, but it can become a negative weapon in some cases. Why? Think of my argument with Lucho; It was very difficult, if not impossible, for him to win the argument. First, I am very good at arguing. Second, I had time to be prepared for the argument while he didn’t. Third, I had more motivation than him to win the argument, and finally, I am the boss. I could have gone away with my way of thought if I wanted to. Instead, I decided to lower my weapons and remember that he was at a disadvantage in the argument. It wasn’t easy for me, but I am happy now that I see the results. Thus, my lesson out of this was that sometimes we, as leaders, need to learn to shut the f*** up and let control go.

Thank you Lucho! Thank you Maestro! Both for the feature and the lesson.

Alexander Torrenegra