#ThoughtsFromTerry Dispatch w.30.2018
Dispatch w.30.2018
Much of my best thinking and top ideas come when I am working out or traveling. Recently while in Libreville, Gabon (Africa) in the hotel gym the thoughts were flowing in about the importance of solving real problems. I am not sure why these thoughts hit me, but it was a simple principle and concept.
Here you go: Problem Solving Formula
First:
- FOCUS ON current known problems
Then:
- FOCUS ON current unknown problems
Finally:
- MIX IN future problems: known then unknown.
This is a simple and basic concept, but we all understand that common sense isn’t so common.
I think why this common sense approach might not be so common is the final bucket appears much more attractive. Future-oriented, big thinking, and the grand slam ideas are so attractive, and they are highly celebrated in our society. However, the process and story to get to the enormous success, and grand slam idea never really gets talked about or unpacked. I have found it best to focus on the current, known problems first. As these known problems are addressed and solved we gain trust and equity along the way as well as learning more and more organizational insight. What often gets missed as well, is we become better problems solvers. We start honing our skills, sharpening our ability to see clearly and develop our problem-solving muscles.
As our insight grows, good problem solvers can grow to become great problem solvers and start to see the unknown problems. Unknown problems are all around us, but organizations can become numb to them, or ignore them due to rat race apathy.
“Rat race apathy”
- the result of being so busy and process-oriented [routine] that the organization and/or employees become like trained rats doing the same old thing the same old way day after day.
Solve current and known problems, then expand into solving the current and unknown problems...once we have a solid base of trust, equity is built, and our organizational insight is deep, I believe then we have the right ingredients to jump in and add some future problem-solving.
RECOMMENDED WEEKEND READING
Chaos Is Not a Viable Leadership Style
As leaders, we LOVE results. However, a "results at all costs" culture or DNA is dangerous.
https://www.strategy-business.com/blog/Chaos-Is-Not-a-Viable-Leadership-Style?gko=df2e2
Follow your passion is STUPID advice
I have written about it multiple times - but follow your passion has become some cliche and common today...and it's horrible advice. This is a great read and offers some valuable insight into why it's bad advice. STOP SAYING IT!
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/22/stanford-researchers-following-your-passion-makes-you-less-successful.html