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FranklinCovey Blog
Becoming a Trim Tab at Work
Imagine you are at the helm of a huge ship moving forward at high speed. You’re the driver, you control the direction of this ship. Now, how is it possible for a single, small person to change the course of something so massive?
To change the ship’s course, you move a steering wheel that operates a rudder, which then turns the ship. But the rudder itself can be enormous, perhaps even ten stories tall on some ocean liners. So what moves the rudder?
A tiny second rudder called a trim tab, which is attached to the big rudder.
Through the marvels of engineering, when the trim tab swings to one side, it creates just enough vacuum to pull the big rudder around. The trim tab is tiny compared to the size and weight of the ship, yet it is the trim tab that determines the ship’s course.
Now, when you think: “how can I possibly create change in my organization,” think of being a trim tab. Your small actions, your work in your circle of influence can create, over time, a big impact on your organization.
Far too many people are not engaged in their work, they are neither fulfilled nor excited, most of all they feel powerless to change anything, and they blame it on the organization or their boss or their lack of authority. In truth you are the creative force of your own job and life. No matter what role you play, your contribution can make a difference. You can become a trim tab. How? Simply by focusing on what you can do even if it’s outside of your job description and make small adjustments and improvements along the way.
So how can you become a trim tab? What is one small adjustment that you can make today to put you on this path? I would love to hear from you.
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10 Comments to Becoming a Trim Tab at Work
I decided to show people how to solve problems as they come to me, rather than doing the job for them without explaining how it was done. I hope to foster teamwork and breakdown barriers in the office.
Lucas Andre AlbrechtAugust 31, 2009
By having no fear in holding open conversations to share and listen ideas. Listening and sharing + acting may become the beginning of a great change.
AmityAugust 31, 2009
Very inspirational and insightful. Small things do matter.
Sheetal RajanAugust 31, 2009
I liked Jennifer’s comments.
The biggest difference can come from communication – simple, yet powerful. My ideas –
1) Practicing & advocating institutionalised communication
2) Remember my responsibility as an employee to understand and practice the code of conduct
Controlling my thoughts through affirmations, meditation and consistently reading, also by staying focused on my goal.
Jerry
JenniferSeptember 1, 2009
It works!
The same person came back and asked me how to do something. I had been waiting for the right time for about a year to teach him so he could do it, but I didn’t want to insult him or burden him. After our conversation yesterday, he came to me today and asked me to show him how to do this! And he’s getting more ideas of things he can do without my assistance.
Now he is happy doing this part of the work, and not having to rely on me all the time. I am happy that he doesn’t have to rely on me all the time and he is learning.
Love this new “Law of the Deep” that serves as a reminder of how work is a sacrament. To use your language: for me, being a “Trim Tab” means (and I’ve been doing a LOT around this of late) exercising integrity in the moment of choice especially in terms of how I relate to colleagues and how I pursue my actual work.
While the operation of the Trim Tab is easy for a ship’s captain, this has me thinking that when seen in context, the analogy really calls upon us to serve as engineer, captain and crew to ensure that a Trim Tab is built and maintained — not just used.
JesusSeptember 1, 2009
Awareness. Just be conscient of the time now and enjoy it.
Thank you cooperation. Gracias!
That’s cool. Sometimes it does not work where system is bankrupt. Neither selflessness nor selfishness but enlightened self interest should be the guiding principle. Then instead of wasting time and energies one should look for other opportunities. Leave decently. Cheers!
Perdita Johnson-AbercrombieMay 17, 2010
Excellent insight! This was a good reminder that I am making a difference.
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