When I was growing up, I often heard the following statement: “If you are going to do something, then do it right the first time.” This was just the way it was in my young life. For example, if you wanted to go on a hiking trip, then you went and got the best gear you could afford, mapped out the route, and prepared for all contingencies like rain, heat or an accident. If it was worth doing, it was always worth doing right the first time.
The challenge this winter is that people are moving so fast and rushing about so much that many just want to solve a problem, i.e. get it past them so that they can get on to the next thing on the list. They are not thinking about what is the right or best way to do it. The goal is simply to do it and move on. Thus, they approach every thing and every person in a binary fashion, namely done or not done. And, of course, the goal is to solve the problem fast so you can then jump on to solving the next problem.
However, I think the key in successful organizations is not to simply get everything done. It is to make sure there is alignment between the solutions and the strategic nexus of the company. The nexus, as many of you know, is the sum of the mission, vision and values plus the strategic plan. If we do it right the first time, then we will have action based on the mission and core values in alignment with the vision and the strategic plan. Alignment is not always easy and may initially take more time. But the short and long term impact of doing it right is always worth the effort.
My challenge to you this week is to solve the problems before you in the right way every time. And to remember that alignment is both the goal and the method.
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