Last week I shared two principles to assist with the problems that you face as a leader. First, we looked at the Principle of the Triage: You cannot solve a problem that you do not know how to diagnose. Secondly, we looked at The Principle of the Emergency Room: Though the wait is long, and the bill is high, the trip usually beats the alternative. Let’s now continue the journey of principles to assist you with problem-solving.
- The Principle of Anecdotal Trends: Your organization does not succeed or fail based on what happens in similar organizations other than your own. You would do well to study, observe, and learn from what other businesses, organizations, or ministries do that share the common task or mission that you have. However, just because something works in another organization does not necessarily mean that it will work in yours, and just because it failed elsewhere does not mean it will fail in yours. Beware of either adopting or dismissing an idea or solution based on an anecdotal trend that is found only in an individual or small group of organizations. You should have a grasp of actual trends based on larger credible samplings and will do well to follow the lead in those cases.
- The Principle of Investment: Small investments rarely result in large returns. Big problems do not lend themselves to quick fixes. The larger the problem, the larger the amount of time and energy will be required to resolve it. For example, a marriage that has gone through years of dysfunction cannot be healed in a one-hour counseling session. The real key to problem-solving is to catch it as early as possible. Failing to see a problem or seeing a problem and ignoring it will cost you greater investment of effort and resources. Get to as soon as possible. A leader must be diligent, observant, responsive, and courageous. Enjoy those times and situations where solutions are quick and easy. But be prepared to make big investments of time and energy to solve big problems.
I’ll continue with more next week to help you maximize your leadership.