Do you or someone you know hold onto problems for too long? It can be a real morale and productivity buster. Here’s a story and a few wise words that will provide a helpful nudge.
Kay had a monthly meeting with her boss, Jim. At these meetings they discussed progress to goal, obstacles in the way and possible solutions for overcoming them. As you can imagine, the discussion about obstacles often included personnel issues such as productivity and morale.
At one particular meeting, Kay brought up her concerns about Josephine. Jim allowed her to go on for a while and then he stopped her and said, “Do you know how many hours we have discussed this situation? Just fix it. Don’t bring it up anymore – unless you just want to tell me how you fixed it.”
When Kay shared the story with me, she told me that Jim’s comment had surprised her because he was usually so patient and willing to listen. After getting over the surprise, she got angry about it. And then she “got it”. She had talked with Jim about this situation “ad nauseum” – at every one of their meetings for the past 4 months. He had allowed her to vent. They had come up with ideas for how to solve the problem. Month after month. She had dabbled at implementation. But his comment got her attention.
She had been carrying this problem around with her for a long time. Too long. It was time to fix it. She did – freeing up all sorts of time and energy to solve other problems, come up with new ideas and share stories with her mentees like me.
I’m especially glad for that last part. This story in particular has helped me push to find solutions for problems I’ve held onto for far too long. And when I’ve shared it with clients, it has had the same affect on them.
Helping all of us deal less with the same ol’ same ol’.
Questions for Thought or for Group Discussion:
1. What was keeping Kay from taking action? List all the possibilities you can think of. For ideas, see Quick List: 10 reasons for having the same old problem. 2. What do you think of Jim’s approach to getting Kay to take action? 3. Would you suggest a different strategy?
Suggested Next Steps:
1. If you haven’t already done so, read Quote of the Week: Got a problem?. Then post the quote as a reminder( to yourself and others) to handle problems quickly.
2. Think about the problems you are dealing with right now. Write them down. For each one, also make note of your answer to:
a. How long have you been” holding on” to this problem? b. Must it be resolved for you to achieve your definition of success (whatever it may be)? No? Then do whatever is needed (permission, approval from yourself or others) to ditch this problem so you can focus energy on another problem or opportunity. Yes? Continue on to item c below. c. What is this unresolved problem costing you? Examples: energy, time, worry, sleep, etc. d. How is it affecting others? Examples: they can’t do next step, they have to listen to me vent, etc. e. What’s keeping you from resolving the problem? Look for possibilities in Quick List: 10 reasons for having the same old problem. f. The things you listed above…are they reasons or excuses? Be honest. g. Put the resolution of this issue at the top of your priority list. h. Determine a next step you can take toward resolution of this problem? i. Get the help of a trusted advisor or coach. If you don’t have one, contact us about our Coaching Programs and we’ll help you get rid of the pesky problem.Related Articles:
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Related article: Complaint Land
Here’s the link: https://businessclassinc.com/2009/05/27/complaint-land/