Sorting out the noise is a phase we use when we work with teams and individuals.

What does it mean? When we work with teams, and they start to open up we let the ‘noise roll out’. For a couple of reasons, if you want to adjust/change behavior – you will need to get the issues put it on the table in a respectful format.

By getting it on the table, you have a chance of moving forward, of having people feeling understood and not judged, and understanding how their own action impact others. We also look at what are the patterns within the frustration which may be causing the team to stall out. This isn’t easy for team members; they must feel safe in sharing their thoughts. If not, another approach needs to be used to ‘identify the noise’.

Sorting the noise, takes effort, trust and sometimes a special knack. The end result you’re striving for is sorting it out, identifying patterns, and adjusting your game plan to achieve what is getting missed. Whether it is lack of focus, dismissing behaviors, feeling in the dark, or loss of team energy. Bottom line, the noise is costing you money, happiness of your team, and side tracking potential growth opportunities.

The next step is key….it is the adjustment and the clarity of focus. The adjustment may be what individuals need to do a bit different. The adjustment needs to be consistent and a movement forward. The clarity may be on focus, intended outcome or it may be a result. Be very clear on what you want to achieve.

Sorting the noise of a team isn’t easy, it sometimes takes a good listener to really hear the voices, the pain, and hear the possibilities.