Go Slow And Go Together

“If you want to go fast, go alone,” notes an old African proverb. “If you want to go far, go together.” When we work alone, we have the luxury of not having to wait for anyone else to get something done. We also do not need to get their approval on anything we want to do. However, if we are dealing with a wicked problem, going fast and alone is never a viable solution. The better and smarter choice is to go slow and to go together in order to go far. 

Recognizing this valuable insight, we must first break a wicked problem into a series of smaller adaptive challenges and technical problems in order to implement multiple solutions, all at the same time. Furthermore, we need to execute a relationship building strategy in order to create more clarity and focus amongst key people in the company. Next, we need to focus on teams, and, in particular, empowering them to do intra-teamwork and inter-teamwork. Along with fostering more adaptation within and amongst all teams, we also need to develop more interactive learning moments through improved supervision, coaching and check-ins. Finally, we need to create ownership and understanding so all of the solutions can be effective over time. 

Still, we live in a complex, difficult, and demanding time. This particular wicked problem related to recruitment and retention is one of many adaptive challenges and technical problems happening within our organizations. I also suspect we will encounter more wicked problems during the next 3 - 5 years. Nevertheless, we must remember that when we choose to go thoughtfully forward through these complexities, and when we choose to do this together, we will recall that there has always been a time before and a time after problems of this nature. And we, as leaders, can do the in-depth and hard work of figuring out what is essential and what needs to change, rebuilding relationships and teams so they can create effective solutions, and being courageous in the midst of it all. When we provide people with the right support, understanding, and resources, we can work through a wicked problem and come up with some wicked solutions. 

Geery Howe, M.A. Executive Coach in Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257