Something that marks out successful people from
the rest is how they reach decisions quickly, and
only change them slowly.
This means we can risk becoming too set on
doing certain things in a certain way and to
a certain timescale.
The shadow side...
...of focus reveals itself as stubbornness, and
all leaders (including me) are imbued with a
massive stubborn streak.
It means we don't give up.
But it also comes at a price, and can bite us
in the backside when we get too attached
to the "how."
ACTION POINT
If you find yourself getting stressed when
things aren't working out how you'd planned,
re-focus on the outcome you want.
For example...
...you don't want a brilliantly professional
video. Your real outcome is to communicate
a message.
So if doing an incredible, all singing, all dancing
video doesn't work out, maybe you need to
make some adjustments.
Consider other possibilities, such as:
- Doing something different
- Doing the same thing differently
- Accepting different quality standards
- Delegating it to someone more competent
Remember the old saying: "There's more than
one way to skin a cat."
Whether it's skinning a cat, climbing a mountain
or delivering a difficult message to an important
customer...
...there's always an alternative if your preferred
way is not possible.
Apply your stubborn streak...
...to achieving the task, and look for any way you
can do it - ethically and with integrity, of course.
