4 Simple Questions to Clarify Complex Challenges

4 Simple Questions to Clarify Complex Challenges

When facing complex challenges reflect on urgency, necessity, and perfectionism. Here’s how.

Clarify complex challenges with simple steps forward. Image of a spiral staircase.Clarify complex challenges with simple steps forward. Image of a spiral staircase.

#1. How important is finding a solution now?

Make progress by leaving the most complex challenges until later. Do the simplest thing now. Take the easiest path now.

Taking the bull by the horns sounds great until you meet an angry bull.

Deal with underlying issues before solving the most complex challenges. Ask yourself, “How can we make progress without solving the most confusing challenge first?”

#2. How can you shrink big to small?

Taking the bull by the horns sounds great until you meet an angry bull. Image of a bull's horns.Taking the bull by the horns sounds great until you meet an angry bull. Image of a bull's horns.

Brian Tracy wrote the international best seller, “Eat that Frog.” He suggests doing the hard thing first. Perhaps you can gobble a frog and get it over with. But elephants go down in small pieces.

  1. What’s the simplest step forward?
  2. What’s the clearest step forward?
  3. What’s the easiest step forward?

Make progress. Don’t choke on the most difficult challenges. Don’t fret about the size of your elephant. Take a small bite and chew.  And so on.

#3. What’s necessary?

Urgent feels necessary, but maybe it’s a distraction. Evaluate ‘urgent’ issues by exploring impact. What if you do nothing? Imagine someone feels upset. Is it necessary to halt progress to deal with their splinter? Be kind and focused.

Urgencies distract from priorities.

Some feelings distort reality. When urgent concerns have big implications deal with them. What happens when you temporarily ignore an urgency. Will the house burn down?

#4. What is good enough?

Perfect solutions to the most complex challenges are rare. Reject perfectionism. Embrace the next imperfect step.

Perfect is slow, laborious, and unlikely. Imperfect is achievable. A good steak now is better than waiting for the perfect steak.

A good step is better than the perfect step.

Set the bar high enough to inspire effort, not so high people walk away.

Still curious:

10 Ways to Successfully Lead Through Problems

The Process of Solving Complex Problems Research paper.

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4 Ways Leaders Instill Vitality and Defeat Uncertainty

4 Ways Leaders Instill Vitality and Defeat Uncertainty

Uncertainty is as certain as a sunrise. Vitality is uncommon.

Vitality is energy to thrive in difficulty.

Vitality is energy to thrive during difficulty. Image of dark clouds.Vitality is energy to thrive during difficulty. Image of dark clouds.

4 Ways leaders instill vitality:

#1. Use uncertainty.

You give power to things you resist. Ignoring uncertainty drains vitality. Every time you knock down uncertainty it gets angry. Whoever said, “What you resist persists,” was right.

Give uncertainty a seat at the table. Use it for good. Practice humility. Arrogance tries to control. Humility is open and curious. Curiosity is vibrant.

Uncertainty is the spotlight that reveals your leadership. Image of stadium lights.Uncertainty is the spotlight that reveals your leadership. Image of stadium lights.

#2. Call out lies.

Emotions make fantasies seem real. Notice the feelings you experience at an action-adventure movie or reading a Stephen King story.

Emotions make lies seem true. When you catastrophize about the future you feel anxious, stressed, and helpless. True feelings authenticate lies.

Uncertainty makes life harder. Life is hard sometimes.

Face lies with reality. You are making it right now even if it feels hard. The only power to change the future is acting now.

#3. Reject optimism.

Admiral Stockdale observed that optimistic POW’s struggled the most. They told themselves they would be rescued by Christmas, but they weren’t. They told themselves they would be home by Easter, but they were still being tortured after Easter.

People who survive acknowledge difficulties and believe they will eventually prevail. You will prevail. Tell your team they will prevail. When you’re certain you can’t prevail, quit.

#4. Care for people.

Uncertainty drains everyone. Fill your tank before it goes dry. Find ways to rest. Long hours are necessary sometimes. Long hours as a lifestyle destroy you.

Take someone for a short walk when you notice frustration, for example. Walk slowly. Listen. Focus on what they can do next. It’s overwhelming to focus on everything.

Redefine success. Regardless of results, success during uncertainty is getting up again and fighting the battle with vitality.

How can leaders instill vitality during times of uncertainty?

Still curious:

How to Honor the Law of Vitality

Seven Ways to Cope with Uncertainty

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Reinventing Book Browsing – Mark Sanborn

Of the many emails I receive daily, this one got my attention:

“My name is Ben Fox, and I am a serial entrepreneur who loves to read. I am a long-time entrepreneur who loves to take ideas and turn them into reality. Combining this with my love of reading is pure joy. I have so many ideas on how to help readers find books in new and unique ways, and I can’t wait to share them over the coming years. Plus, I get the pleasure of meeting amazing authors and helping them achieve their dreams.”

His love of books and creative ideas on how to improve the online browsing experience motivated him to start Shepherd, where the motto is “discover the best books.”

Ben shared, “I started Shepherd because browsing books online is boring. I love wandering through bookstores and seeing where my curiosity leads me, so I tried to reimagine this but for an online world.

I’ve started by asking authors to share 5 of their favorite books around a topic, theme, or mood. And then, we connect those books and book lists around topics (genres are coming soon). So, a reader interested in creating a better customer experience at their business can browse that topic and keep following their curiosity as they read and discover what books authors love. Maybe they end up on our planning bookshelf or on a list from an author and business owner on how to improve your customer service team.

My goal is to introduce a bit more fun and serendipity in finding your next book. While also providing some amazing curation from authors and experts.”

His value proposition is simple:

For Readers – To reimagine book discovery online with more serendipity and delight. 

For Authors – To help authors meet more readers. Authors illuminate our world, take us on faraway journeys, and entertain us. There is a growing trend that authors have to become their own marketing team. That concerns me because it is very difficult to do. I want to make this easier. 

I’ve been impressed with Ben and Shepherd, enough so that I wanted to share his business with you. If you love books and reading, and want a better online reading experience, check out Shepherd.

 

Mark Sanborn is motivational keynote speaker and Leadership Expert in Residence at High Point University, the Premier Life Skills University. His presentations help the best leaders get better and inspire everyone to pursue their potential. For more information about his work, visit www.marksanborn.com. 

 

Author: Mark Sanborn

Mark holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association (NSA) and is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame. He was recently honored with the Cavett Award, the highest honor the NSA bestows on its members, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the speaking profession. In 2020, Global Gurus named Mark the #5 Leadership Authority in the world.

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4 Steps to Manage a Manager Who Can’t Communicate

4 Steps to Manage a Manager Who Can’t Communicate

You want to succeed but when managers create confusion high-aspiration people pull their hair out. Managers who communicate poorly demotivate talented people.

People want to go all in, but don’t want to waste energy doing the wrong thing.

Communication is confusion because clarity takes work. Image of tangled rubber bands.Communication is confusion because clarity takes work. Image of tangled rubber bands.

How to manage a manager who can’t communicate:

#1. Focus on things within your control.

You influence people; you can’t control them. You drive yourself nuts when you try to fix people. And you drive them nuts too.

#2. Use the “I intend to method.”

When your manager tells you something that requires action or decisions, send them a follow-up email that contains 4 things.

  1. Subject line: Just double checking (or equivalent).
  2. In a few sentences, explain what you heard. “I heard you saying….”
  3. Now say, “Based on what I heard you say, I intend to ….” (Briefly describe your next steps and the goal you’re trying to reach. Just a few sentences.)
  4. Finally ask, “Does this make sense to you?” (You could also ask, “Any suggestions?” Or, “Am I on track?”)

I adapted this from something I learned from a nuclear submarine Captain.

Perhaps your manager will find more clarity and consistency if they see their own message/request in writing.

Another advantage is you create a paper trail that could be helpful if people are being told different things. Be sure to get your manager’s response to your 3-part email.

If your manager doesn’t respond, feel free to send a follow up. “I’m just double checking. Did you see my question about xyz? Am I on the right track?”

Lousy managers are anchors. Successful managers are wind. Image of a sailboat.Lousy managers are anchors. Successful managers are wind. Image of a sailboat.

Encouragement:

You feel discouraged when managers who can’t communicate hold you back. Keep doing stuff that would make momma proud, even when other folks might not.

What can you do when your manager can’t communicate effectively?

What tips do you have for managers who need to learn effective communication?

Still curious:

Words You Don’t Say But Should

The Do’s and Don’ts of Manager/Employee Communication

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4 Surprising Realities That Infuse Meaning into Leadership

4 Surprising Realities That Infuse Meaning into Leadership

Organizations can’t give leadership meaning. Bosses and colleagues can’t give it.

Meaningful leadership is your responsibility alone.

Meaning is energy to run a painful race.

Meaning is energy to run a painful race. Image of a person running down a lane of trees.Meaning is energy to run a painful race. Image of a person running down a lane of trees.

4 surprising realities that infuse meaning into leadership:

#1. Responsibility.

Do something where failure matters.

You cozy up to oblivion when you reject responsibility for meaningful things. One day you’ll look around and feel empty.

Someone said, “Not my monkey. Not my circus.” It is your circus. Don’t take everyone’s monkey, but when you grab a monkey grab one that matters.

Do noble things.

#2. Engagement.

Disengagement leads to oblivion. A person trying to do as little as possible ends up lonely and disenchanted. Getting by is going down wearing a blindfold.

Engagement means overcoming friction. It’s easier to do nothing than something in the short-term.

Hiding in your office and avoiding challenging situations moves you toward a blackhole.

#3. Control.

Choose behaviors that make things better. Leadership is trivial when you focus on things outside your control. Frivolous actions produce disappointing results.

You move toward meaningful leadership when your actions matter.

#4. Identity.

Identity determines behavior. The Stanford Prison Experiment demonstrated the power of self-perceptions. Participants who perceived themselves as guards became cruel.

Know yourself by embracing what you know about yourself.

Don’t ignore frailties. You know your own pain. Life is short, screwing up is inevitable, your strengths produce results and your weaknesses hold you back.

You know what you love and what you hate. What does that say about who you are?

Choose how you show up based on the realities you know about yourself.

Challenge:

You didn’t get up this morning wishing to be trivial. You yearn for relevance. The challenge is hammering it out.

You collide with personal hell when you fill life with frivolities.

Which of the above ideas most applies to you today?

What would you add to the above list?

Still curious:

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One Simple Question That Keeps Projects from Going off the Rails

One Simple Question That Keeps Projects from Going off the Rails

It’s unusual for projects to come in on target, on time, and on budget. Ask one simple question that gets teams solving problems before they happen.

12 reasons good projects go bad:

  1. Unrealistic planning.
  2. Poorly defined goals and milestones.
  3. Disorganized leaders.
  4. Lack of motivation.
  5. Frantic schedules.
  6. Communication breakdowns. Misunderstanding slows progress. Crossed wires create conflict.
  7. Ineffective resource allocation.
  8. Failure to adapt to evolving market demands that change project requirements.
  9. Software bugs.
  10. Hardware failures.
  11. Economic upheaval.
  12. Legal issues.

Keeping projects on track is first about people, then about circumstances. Image of a train stuck in sand.Keeping projects on track is first about people, then about circumstances. Image of a train stuck in sand.

One simple question that keeps projects on track:

“Imagine this project is over and it’s a catastrophic failure. What did we fail to do that contributed to the failure?”

Before you mess with the language of this question, consider why it’s worded this way.

Set the stage:

Get teams in problem-solving mode by asking about imagined failure. It’s normal to worry about projects. It means you care. Tap into problem-solving power before problems happen.

Soft landing:

Declare intent so you won’t give offense.

Team members might take offense when you say, “Imagine this project is a catastrophic failure.” They could think you don’t trust them. Or something worse.

First say, “I’m asking this question because I want to tap into your problem-solving skills before problems happen.” Now say, “Imagine this project is over and it’s a catastrophic failure. What did we fail to do that contributed to the failure?”

The power of questions is their ability to invite response. Image of red poppies.The power of questions is their ability to invite response. Image of red poppies.

Be specific:

“Fail to do,” is designed to extract specific actions. If you ask, “What went wrong?” the conversation will go off the rails. They’ll think of things outside their control. Maybe they’ll bring up a lousy economy.

Time:

Include a time factor for long-term projects. When projects are months from completion, say, “What did we fail to do this month….” Or “This quarter.” Short timelines require timely action.

What makes this question useful?

How would you modify the language of this question?

A Premortem: Reverse Positive Thinking for Success – Leadership Freak

How to Get Projects Back on Track Fast – Leadership Freak

Keeping on Track (projecttimes.com)

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20 Unexpected Firsts that Make Average Leaders Remarkable

20 Unexpected Firsts that Make Average Leaders Remarkable

Being first isn’t always good, sometimes it’s necessary.

When you see remarkable leaders you know they did something first. Sometimes it’s crafting plans. Other times it’s trying something new. Some firsts are unexpected.

Moving from average to remarkable leadership requires being first in twenty ways.

20 unexpected firsts remarkable leaders adopt:

  1. Practice vulnerability first. Self-protection weakens relationships.
  2. Build relationship first. Fear pulls back.
  3. Act collaboratively first. Leaders are more than individual contributors.
  4. Self-reflect first. Failure waits for leaders who stop noticing themselves systematically.
  5. Seek perspectives first. Input is protection. Acting on your own devalues others.
  6. Evaluate based on action and result first. The story in your head is part fiction.
  7. Think impact first. Shift from how things impact you to how you impact others.
  8. Pause first. Spontaneous response is like spilling spaghetti.
  9. Forgive first. Grudges corrode your heart.
  10. Listen first. Talk last.
  11. Learn first. Burst the façade of perceived knowledge with questions.
  12. Trust first. Trust can be unearned but must be given first.
  13. Look forward first. Notice the direction of conversations. The past never changes.
  14. Challenge assumptions first. Ask, “What makes you say that?”
  15. Encourage first. Truett Cathy said, “How do you know if someone needs encouragement? If they are breathing!”
  16. Take responsibility first. Blame destroys trust.
  17. Turn toward tough conversations first. Stress is the tax on avoiding.
  18. Get help first. Reach higher if you don’t need help. Fools struggle until pain drives them to seek help.
  19. Seek feedback first. Improvement begins with feedback.
  20. Ask how first. “How can we do this?” is better than, “We’re doomed.”

Tip: Practice humility first. Most items on the list offend arrogance. Curiosity is a fundamental component of humility. Show up asking questions first.

Twenty firsts are too many to remember. Which first most applies to you today?

Why You Need to Stop Fighting Arrogance

How to Be a Good Leader – businessnewsdaily.com

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My Best Relationship Advice for Leaders

My Best Relationship Advice for Leaders

It’s tragic to fight the battle alone. A relationship with someone who acts with the best interest of others sustains you.

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.” (Hebrew Bible)

Relationship advice: Try to avoid attractive idiots. Image of a dog with a bowtie on.Relationship advice: Try to avoid attractive idiots. Image of a dog with a bowtie on.

My best relationship advice:

#1. Try to avoid attractive idiots.

Quality of people determines quality of connection. Toxic people have toxic relationships.

Who to avoid:

  1. “I” people. Who do they frequently talk favorably about? Themselves or others.
  2. Chronic grumps. What is the ratio of joy to unhappiness in their conversations? Some people need to complain to feel powerful.
  3. Drama mongers. How frequently are they embroiled in the latest tempest? Attention-seekers love turmoil.
  4. Pugnacious knuckleheads. Do they fight about everything?

#2. Accept zits.

Noticing bad is easier than noticing good.

Look at imperfect people with approval. You might be perfect, but if perfection is your standard of approval, I hope you enjoy shallow relationships.

Nitpicking weakens relationships. It’s easy to correct, complain, and disagree. It takes positive intention and commitment to build up.

Acceptance is the foundation for acknowledging weaknesses, not pretending everything’s great when it sucks.

Enjoyment turns battle to play. Image of a baby standing in a milk crate.Enjoyment turns battle to play. Image of a baby standing in a milk crate.

#3. Play.

A little play does relationships good. We loved riding our bikes and playing baseball. In the winter we put on mittens and played basketball in the hay loft. Being good at school had little to do with it.

#4. A difficult genius might be better than an easy fool.

Choose people who think differently, have obsessions, and take a point of view. Boredom sets in when you’re surrounded by head-bobbers.

#5. Choose meaningful over happy.

Good feelings are wonderful; meaning is better (If you have to choose between the two).

Meaningful battles create strong bonds. What makes connections meaningful?

  1. Learning and curiosity.
  2. Fighting for something instead of against someone.
  3. Shared values.
  4. Suffering together.

Which of the items above seems most relevant to you today?

What would you add to the above list?

Still curious:

7 Relationship Building Rules for Results-Driven Leaders

11 Tips for Leaders Who Want to Encourage Positive Workplace Relationships

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10 Things Great Communicators Always Do

1. They are clear and concise in their message, ensuring that their audience understands their points.

2. They use active listening skills to understand the perspectives of others.

3. They use empathy to connect with their audience and build trust.

4. They use storytelling to engage their audience and make their message memorable.

5. They adapt their communication style to suit different audiences and situations.

6. They use nonverbal cues, such as eye contact and body language, to convey their message more effectively.

7. They use humor and creativity to keep their audience engaged.

8. They ask questions to encourage participation and engagement from their audience.

9. They use visual aids, such as diagrams and videos, to support their message and make it more accessible.

10. They are authentic and genuine, building rapport and trust with their audience.

Do some great communicators sometime break the rules? Sure, there are always exceptions. But you should choose to be the standard of great communicators, not the exception.

What would you add to this list?

 

Mark Sanborn is motivational keynote speaker and Leadership Expert in Residence at High Point University, the Premier Life Skills University. His presentations help the best leaders get better and inspire everyone to pursue their potential. For more information about his work, visit www.marksanborn.com. 

Author: Mark Sanborn

Mark holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association (NSA) and is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame. He was recently honored with the Cavett Award, the highest honor the NSA bestows on its members, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the speaking profession. In 2020, Global Gurus named Mark the #5 Leadership Authority in the world.

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A 3-Minute Adventure – Leadership Freak

A 3-Minute Adventure

Leadership is an adventure with an elusive destination. It would be easier if stability was common and turbulence less frequent. But busyness blinds us to the most important adventure.

One day you look in the mirror and wonder who is looking back. You’ve lost yourself. The most important adventure concerns who you become, not what happens next.

Leadership is an adventure with an elusive destination. Image of a backpacker looking into fog.Leadership is an adventure with an elusive destination. Image of a backpacker looking into fog.

Dreams:

There is a fountain
lulled by its splashing
and recirculating waters

Into so deep a sleep
it forgets it’s a fountain.

In the heart of that deep sleep it dreams of a fountain.

Anonymous

Dissatisfaction wakes you from the dream.

Adventure:

Transformation begins with awareness.

Seeing something changes it. After you see yourself, you change. Especially when you don’t like what you see. But there’s something better than reacting to something you don’t like.

Dissatisfaction creates curiosity for the courageous. The courage to wonder who you might become is openness to become someone you didn’t expect.

Becoming is an iterative process.

Life’s adventure is like waves racing up the beach
stretching out in hope
then retreating into comfort
over and over again.

A 3-minute adventure:

Your greatest adventure requires moments of brief solitude.

Give yourself three minutes to retreat and reflect between meetings.

  1. Close your eyes and breathe for one minute. (It’s surprising how long one minute is.) Then ask yourself some questions.
  2. What are you thankful for right now? One simple point of gratitude will do.
  3. What’s energizing or draining you? You find energy when you move toward your authentic self.
  4. How will you show up in your next interaction? Intention creates awareness. Noticing defeats distraction.

Interrupt busyness with brief moments of solitude before you wake up one day wondering who you have become.

What causes people to lose themselves?

What practices enable people to become themselves over and over again?

Still curious:

How to Mentally Prepare for Your Next Meeting in only 3-Minutes (A variation of the above exercise.)

4 Questions to Ask at the End of the Week for Self-Reflection (A weekly option.)

7 Practices to Become More Authentic

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