One morning last week, I tried to enter my office building. I swiped the card key as usual, but the big glass door wouldn’t open.
I was hoping to see someone on the inside who could let me in, but it was too early. No one was there. I thought something was wrong with my key.
A minute later, a man approached the building. His key wouldn’t work either. Then a few more tenants gathered outside the entrance. We gave up trying to get in that entrance, wandered around the outside of the building and eventually found another entrance that worked.
When I got inside the building, I noticed a sign on the inside of the door that said, “Doors Out of Order.” (Apparently it would have been too sensible to put a sign on the outside of the door as well to inform the people who wanted to enter the building.)
In life, we don’t always get official signs that identify the problem. We just know something is not working.
I spend a lot of time with executives trying to help them figure out what’s not working — in their business, with their teams or themselves. They’re eager to find solutions so they can move on and get the results they want.
Some think they know what the problem is, but they’re often mistaken.
Other executives say things like, “Something’s wrong…I just don’t know what it is.”
Some begin to question themselves: “What’s wrong with me?” Stop that!
Here are some techniques to help you — or those with whom you work — navigate problems more easily.
1. Determine what has changed.
Ask, “What has changed?” Are there external factors or conditions that have changed? For example, the environment is more competitive, you’ve got new people on the team, or new regulations are impacting your business.
You may have experienced changes in your family or personal life.
They could be the problem.
On the other hand, you may have changed.
High performers thrive on growth and learning. As they build capability and expertise, they’re ready for a new challenge. They get bored easily.
They see new possibilities for themselves and often feel unsettled until they can conquer the next challenge. What do you most want — now?
The problem may be related to whatever is happening outside you in your life/work, or whatever is happening within you, or both.
2. Note the duration of the problem.
Ask, “How long has the problem been occurring?” You may be dealing with an issue that just appeared — or one that’s been bubbling under the surface for years.
It’s not uncommon for an executive to admit that they’ve been aware of a problem for years, but haven’t had the time, solution or guts to address it.
Understand the risk of addressing it — and not addressing it. Some executives allow problems to fester way too long. For example, when you become aware of a serious employee performance issue, but don’t address it right away, it’s like a cancer that spreads in your business.
3. Assess the real impact.
“What’s the severity of the problem?” Assess the real impact on you, your business, your customers. Keep problems in perspective.
Being locked out of the office wasn’t a major problem. It was an inconvenience. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.
Know when you’re viewing things through a logical lens and emotional lens.
Problems are a natural part of business and life. How you acknowledge them and work through them will determine your success.
The faster you can get to the heart of issues — and address them constructively — the better your results in the long run.
Act NOW.
Don’t wait for the official sign to appear. You’ve likely had more subtle indications that something is amiss. You just feel it.
“Out of order” for you could really mean:
- Out of alignment
- Out of energy
- Out of touch
- Out of control
- Out of patience
- Out of resources
- Out of ideas
- Out of hope
What’s “out of order” for you? Deal with it.
You’ll open new doors for your business and yourself.
