“If we always helped one another, no one would need luck.” – Sophocles
‘Good luck.’ How often has someone said this to you? How often have you said it to others? Of course, you mean well.
Sometimes saying ‘Good luck,’ it is an automatic polite response. Not unlike, ‘Have a nice day.’
You might say it to someone who is going through a difficult situation, especially when you do not know how to help that person. It might be your parting phrase to someone as you walk away from them.
There is nothing wrong with wishing someone ‘Good luck.’ We probably all have times in our lives when we would accept all of the good luck in the world.
When you are saying ‘Good luck,’ to a team member who is having a difficult time with an assignment; or to a team member who has just told you they are running late with their assignment, they don’t need your wish for luck, they need help.
As a project manager and leader, it is your duty to help your team members navigate difficult situations. This means actively listening to their concerns, brainstorming potential solutions with them, and enlisting others to provide assistance if needed. By doing so, you are not only providing practical help but also boosting their morale and confidence.
It is your job to help move obstacles out of the way for your team members. When a team member tells you about a challenge, they do not necessarily need luck.
When you have a team member facing difficulties and you say ‘Good luck,’ and then walk away, It is as if you are washing your hands of them and their difficult situation.
Instead of simply wishing them luck, be proactive and offer assistance. This shows that you genuinely care about their success and are willing to support them in overcoming any challenges they may face.
Stop wishing your team members ‘Good luck’ and make sure that you bring them good help.
Wishing you every success,
Margaret Meloni - pmStudent
