Ep 39: It Sounds Like Empowerment, But It’s Actually Avoidance w/ Amanda Jane Lee

In this episode, Indra and Amanda discuss the complexities of co-creation in the workplace, particularly when it comes to leadership dynamics and the responsibilities that come with collaboration. They explore the importance of providing structure in collaborative efforts, the pitfalls of starting from a blank slate, and the need for clear expectations and communication. The conversation also touches on the challenges of goal setting, particularly with OKRs, and the significance of documenting contributions to avoid repeating past mistakes. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the need for both leaders and team members to understand their roles and responsibilities in collaborative projects. Takeaways Co-creation can often feel like a delegation of responsibilities. Leaders should come prepared to collaborate, not just delegate. Providing structure is essential for effective collaboration. Blank slates can lead to confusion and misalignment. People often don't know what they want until they see it. Documenting past experiences can help avoid future pitfalls. Understanding your bandwidth is crucial before taking on new tasks. Negotiating expectations can lead to better outcomes. The concept of 'what's in it for me' is important for all parties. OKRs should not be a bottom-up process without clear guidance. Useful Links The Messy Middle Matters Merch: messymiddlemerch.com  The Messy Middle Matters Glossary: messymiddlematters.com/glossary   Feedback for The Messy Middle Matters: messymiddlematters.com/feedback  Amanda Jane Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajanelee/  Indra Klavins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indrak/  Chapters 00:00 Navigating Co-Creation in the Workplace 01:47 The Challenges of Role Definition 04:58 The Importance of Structure in Collaboration 07:47 The Value of Providing Context 10:59 Understanding Leadership Dynamics 13:44 Assessing Personal Boundaries and Responsibilities 16:56 Negotiating Expectations and Outcomes 19:51 The Slippery Slope of Helping 22:52 The Pitfalls of Bottom-Up Goal Setting 25:56 Documenting and Learning from Experiences 33:25 Outro