When we want a person to succeed at doing a work-task we must consider 3 things:

1.    The Task [the thoughts and action steps required for success]

2.    The Person’s Strengths [Innate Talent + Specialized Knowledge + Practiced Skill] at performing the Task.

3.    The Person’s Frame of Mind [good mood?, bad mood?, what emotions/feelings? - does the person enjoy the Task?]

If the person accurately understands the task, has the strength required to perform the task, and has a positive attitude about doing the task then the task will be done right.

If any of these 3 pieces are missing then there is a high likelihood the task will not be performed well.

The keys to helping people succeed at work tasks are (1) assuming as little as possible and (2) helping as much as possible when people illustrate they are struggling to get over a hurdle. To help a person get over a hurdle the leader needs to be able to accurately identify the hurdle. Does the hurdle rest in the person or in the task?

It is easier to remove the hurdles in tasks. So, leaders should remove as many of those hurdles as possible…establishing clear processes and testing those processes with many people to prove the task is doable.