I had an interesting discussion yesterday about problems and continuous improvement.  Broadly speaking, often we don’t solve our problems permenantly. We do resolve them, but this is more of a continuous transformation.

This is not an absolute and some problems/issues are fully resolved one time. I would argue though a larger percentage of challenges are managed through iterations, as sort of continuous change process.

Continuous Improvement

One aspect of continuous improvement is about striving to be better.  Another less explored part of this concept is recognizing that often solutions are point in time and focus more on “transforming” the challenge so it no longer blocks the path.

Embracing the Challenge

Resolution of the problem is the goal, absolute resolution is not really the goal.  Approach the challenge as a change that needs to be made (transformation) .  That is a change from circumstances that block or reduce the ability to perform acceptably to a situation where forward progress can continue.

Considered within the context of Information Technology operations, problem and change management  are disciplines that are intricately linked.  Changes make problems and changes resolve problems.

Managing change is thus a key aspect of the solution to a problem.  Through change we can transform the issue so from its negative form to something everyone can live with.

Its all about perspective

Next issue you come across rather than treating it as a problem view it as an opportunity for positive change .  You should find this change in perspective helps you embrace the problem finding relatively easy resolution as opposed to frustrating anxiety.

Years ago at a training seminar the concept of an “ah ha” moment.  I cannot remember the course objective or even any other content.  The “ah hah” moment concept, however, has stuck with me.

This is about that sudden point that arrives every once and a while when you feel like shouting – “I understand, let the bells ring out and the banners fly”.

Seeing the light

Coming to a gradual understanding usually takes longer and can often be arrived at through a series of “ah ha” moments. These moments of seeing all clearly are important both for their long and short term benefits.

The value of the “ah ha” moment , and the reason this concept has stuck with me for so many years is not in the moment itself.  Rather the important factor is the recognition of the moment.

The Power of Awareness

The fact you have suddenly been struck with a flash of brilliance (understanding) is of course very kool.  In reality on it’s own, the clarity is of liile consequence.  Only by recognizing the moment when it occurs can you embrace and put it to work for you.

The power of the ah ha moment lies in the leveraging of it to achieve a goal, resolve an issue or perhaps just gaining a sense of self satisfaction (feels good).

None of this can occur without that sudden thought -ah ha –  and from that point the power is within you ( or the force is with you).

I am an avid believer in the power of planning.  I came across the following quote the other day which really puts the exercise of planning into perspective.

“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable”. – Dwight Eisenhower

Planning versus Execution

A pet peeve of mine are stakeholders who view the plan and execution of same as linked activities.  That is, you must follow the plan.

True, having no plan results in chaos more often then not. This does not mean having a plan makes the execution simple and straightforward.  Skill and ability are still required.

Understanding the top level strategy and goals are absolute requirements as execution of a plan commences.  You need to be able to adjust on the fly and you do not always have the luxury to re-plan ( this can particularly apply in the case of a battle).

What is the power in planning

Eisenhower  knows the plans may get thrust aside in the heat of battle or modified on the fly; However, the likelihood of achieving the objective is greatly enhanced by the thought and ideas generated during the planning exercise.

My own big takeaway from this quote is the distinction between executing the activities contained within the plan (during this phase the plan could be considered useless)  and the planning exercise itself (which is invaluable)

So, planning and execution are both important aspects of achieving victory but are separate activities in and of themselves.

Many of my friends and collegues will attest to the fact that I am known to proudly proclaim on occassion “It’s all about me!”

This statement makes me neither conceited nor egotistical.  The reality is that this is my life, just as yours belongs to you.  Its my life so it’s about me, logically speaking.

Caution must be exercised with the interpretation of this pronouncement.  Its all about me does not include by default “at the expense of others” nor “others don’t matter”.

How great am I?

If I believe I am the greatest than I am.  The qualifier though is this greatness assessment is personal and against my own bar (measure).  Others measures and characterization of my capabilities may differ and of course these opinions matter ( to those people, anyway).

Most Important opinion

At the end of the day what you think about yourself carries the most weight.  Even if others think you are the most skilled personable person on the earth and you yourself do not; than you are not.

So I am proud to say, I am great and it is all about me.  Shame is a false emotion with little value.  Empathy of how others are feeling and a realistic understanding of where your personal greatness assessment needs to be reigned in out of respect for others is critical.

It is all about me, but others are of critical importance.

If you are throughly confused at this point, this post sounds contradictory to you – just remember the mantra ” Its all about me” .  That should make you feel better, works for me.

I read about a CEO the other day, whom others characterized as exhibiting high integrity and respect for other.  It was the first time I had heard these two behaviors specifically linked and it really resonated with me.

Integrity and Respect

My first thought was, “As a unified behavior, what does this look like?”

Combining the definition of each word you get something like “Exihibiting a strong sense of honesty and morality while recognizing others  for their abilities, qualities or achievements.”

The underlying theme is being a person of good character consistently and particularly in the prescence of others.

Trust

Most likely whomever you come across clearly exhibiting these behavioural traits will engender your trust.  Trust is a foundational attribute for an exceptional leader.  While you may excel in other leadership traits there is a bar you probably cannot leap over without the trust of your followers.

In this context integrity and respect are powerful and critically important traits for those that aspire to be viewed as an exceptional leader.

Interesting to hear others describe the CEO’s behaviour this way, I think I have some new personal aspirational goals..