As a business leader, before trying to find a solution for any problem, it is essential to decide whether this problem is an EVENT or a WAY OF BEING?
An EVENT requires an entirely different process of working to solution, than a WAY OF BEING. Think of an EVENT as, say, a heart attack. A heart attack requires an initial panic, then a frantic call to triage experts, an ambulance, some hasty CPR applied, maybe a dose of emergency medicine; all delievered rapidly without second chances or room to improve over time. The heart attack demands a quick response by some highly trained individuals to rescue an otherwise bleak situation.
Think of the WAY OF BEING like having high blood pressure. High blood pressure requires an entirely different set of solutions than the heart attack. High blood pressure requires new long-term behaviors, changing structures, building new habits or foundations, integrating knowledge and continuous application of different behavior. Incremental improvement over time will yield great results when treating high blood pressure; and paramedics are generally ineffective in helping out with high blood pressure.
So when managing a business, project or even your own life; before jumping in to solve any problem first figure out if it is an EVENT or a WAY OF BEING.
EVENTS respond well to quick decisions, lots of resources applied in the short-term, bursts of energy, training before the event and ‘good enough’ results.
WAYS OF BEING require planning and strategy, thorough assessment of the situation, consistent effort, sustained resources and continuous improvement.
Resist the temptation to change policy as a result of a heart attack; but do develop new policies to support an environment of creating lower blood pressure. Resist the temptation to bring in hired guns to manage blood pressure when diligent, incrimental action will yield the best long-term results.
If you could use some assistance determining if your business is having a heart attack or suffering from high blood pressure, arrange a one-on-one session with me.
Suzanne Andrew, owner of SMASolutions, is a Small Business Consultant, Entreprenurial Coach and Bloviator About Town. Contact her directly to arrange your first session: 727-641-6941 or SuzanneMAndrew@gmail.com.
