Here in the Northeast, we’ve been the recipients of an abundance of snow. It provides a beautiful landscape, opportunity for great recreation, and insight in approaching work challenges.
Yes, that’s right. Snow is offering up assistance to work challenges – and I’m not talking taking the day off because there’s too much of this white fluffy stuff in your driveway. What I mean is that the snow encourages us to get out of our routine, day-to-day activities, open our eyes, and let our mind wander.
Take a look at these two photos to the right; they are pictures of the same pile of snow. From one direction, the snow resembles a cat of the ferocious variety. From another angle, though, this clump of snow looks more like a sea lion or walrus. How many of your challenges at work could benefit from being seen through a different lens? Do a little upfront analysis by:
- Having a conversation or two with people from other departments.
- Collecting input from current and/or prospective clients.
- Gaining insight of advisors who have
been there, done that.
Taking a literal seat on the other side of the table will help you:
- See things from others’ prospective / point of view.
- Identify opportunities you hadn’t realized existed.
- Visualize impact of your actions.
- Reduce trial and error.
- Minimize unintended consequences.
- Eliminate poor choices.
- Build a coalition of support within your team / organization.
- Map out strategic / purposeful path.
- Position yourself to respond to unintended consequences.
- Accomplish your goals more efficiently.
Go sit in someone else’s chair, go snowshoeing, have a conversation with a co-worker or colleague; and see how your perspective changes.
Let me know how you make sure you get the input you need to meet a challenge.
