They would hang a bell around the cat’s neck. Wherever the cat would go, the bell would warn them of danger if got too close.
Each of the mice jumped and clapped in approval at the brilliant idea. That was until one mouse asked, “Now who is going to hang the bell around the cats neck?” There was complete silence.
It can be easy to come up with brilliant ideas, but it isn't always easy to execute them.
The following four tips and suggestions are simple. However, my experience as a consultant for many years tells me that they aren’t used very often. Hence the reason for poor team execution.
1. Assign an owner to the task(s). Someone has to take ownership for hanging the bell. If there is no owner, the bell won’t get hung. This was the case in the fable.
2. Assign due dates to each task. Without a due date the task won’t be a priority. And by the time you get to completing the task, the cat might have had her fair share of mice by then.
3. Be clear. It is important to ensure that everyone is clear on the task. Check for clarity once the task has been assigned. Lack of clarity can result in putting both the team and the individual responsible for the task in more danger; such as putting the bell around the cat’s foot instead of her neck.
4. Follow up. How will you know if the bell has been hung? Require that the one assigned to the task returns and reports on his assignment. To not do so can again put the individual and team in danger.
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