Ditch the Generalizations for Better, Faster Problem-Solving
It’s funny.
As I look back over the last few months, I see a pattern.
Many of these newsletters have been about solving problems: how to solve them smarter, how to solve them faster.
How to solve them better.
Here’s why: solving problems IS the work of running a successful business.
There isn’t a day when you arrive to a company that operates in a problem-free zone. As long as you continue to grow, continue to employ people, and continue to deal with customers…
…you’ll have problems.
To me, that’s not a bad thing. It’s simply a fact.
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So here’s another tactic for solving problems in your business.
Ditch the generalizations. Be specific.
Here’s an example of a generalization. This type of statement might make it onto the agenda for your weekly leadership meeting:
Our customer service function is failing.
Interesting.
There’s clearly an issue here that we need to address. This generalization is a starting point for discussion.
But if you aren’t careful, you’ll spend the rest of your meeting—and the next one, and the next one—debating the ins and outs of your customer service function.
Maybe you need to blow the whole thing up and start from scratch.
But usually, that’s not the best solution.
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You’ll save time.
You’ll get to the front domino faster.
You’ll avoid rabbit holes.
