Visiting Two Point Museum was a game changer. I went in as an average manager. I left as someone dedicated to do better as a boss. That transformation was in fact unexpected but also very simple in delivery yet very powerful in result.
My First Visit to Two Point Museum
I went to Two Point Museum over the weekend. My team put the idea forward. At first I thought it would be the same as other museums. I was proved wrong.
The experience brought to light leadership defects which I didn’t see before. The museum has live in the displays they have put out about the office politics. Which in turn made me reevaluate my management style.
The Mirror Effect
One exhibit did a mirror image of things. We had our behavior put side by side with that of different boss types. I saw my reflection in the “detached manager” example.
This took me by surprise, I didn’t realize how my team saw me. The museum made that very clear without saying a thing.
Key Lessons From Two Point Museum
Two Point Museum is a better teacher of leadership skills than any business book I’ve come across. What I got out of it is this.
Listening Matters Most
An interactive display of visitor reaction to the issue of listening skills which I did very poorly. We found that which which leaders interrupt their employees very often.
Presently I practice active listening. I let my team finish their thoughts before I jump in with my two cents which has made our meetings very productive.
Recognizing Effort
The museum had a wall for employee achievements which were mostly large scale. I noticed I only paid attention to big things.
I began to see that every day we put in small but present efforts which do make a difference. I also started to implement a practice of a quick “good job” which does great in making workers feel valued.
Clear Communication
A complex labyrinth of which the instructions are inadequate. Also I have put in that employees get lost when things are not made clear.
Now I put it in terms of what we do. I make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding the goals.
Applying Museum Lessons at Work
The Two Point Museum changed my perspective. At my company I brought in some of those changes.
Team Feedback System
I established anonymous feedback systems. Employees are putting out what they really think.
This I do to adapt my leadership style.
Regular Check-Ins
Instead of annual reviews what we do is meet very often. We have short talks which in turn take care of small issues before they get out of hand.
More Employee Control
One exhibit was of stressed out workers that had no say in what they did. I give my team that which they do and how they do it.
They do things their own way as long as the results meet standards.
The Gaming Connection
Interestingly, Two Point Museum shares concepts with strategy games. Both teach resource management and team coordination.
In the same way that in good games there is a balance, in the workplace success also requires it. What we put in terms of pressure has to be measured, too much and it backfires, too little and we fail to direct.
Conclusion
Two Point Museum was my mentor. I put into practice what it taught me I became aware of my blind spots, I began to listen more. I celebrate small wins. I communication [which I had improved] clearly.
The changes boosted team morale. Also we saw an increase in productivity. Sometimes in life you find lessons out of the blue.
FAQs
1. What makes Two Point Museum different?
It is about the interaction between colleagues. The displays we have are for the visitors’ benefit to see how an office works.
2. How long did changes take to show results?
In some weeks we saw improvement which then after three months we noticed more significant change.
3. Can this help new managers?
Absolutely. The basics of these lessons are wide in appeal for all levels of leadership.
4. What was the hardest change to make?
Learning to be present instead of butting in. Old habits die hard.
5. Did employees notice the difference?
Yes. Many people expressed their appreciation for the change. Also some report that the work environment has become less stressful.
#Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #ManagementTips #TwoPointMuseum #EmployeeEngagement
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