Simple doesn’t always mean easy.
Seth Godin shared this wisdom on February 28th, 2011 and I printed the post and hand it out every time I start an EOS strategic planning for an organization.
The reality, when we face decision points as leaders Simple but not Easy means – My options are clear, and . . . .
- I have never done what is being asked of me and asking for help seems weak, so I will think a little more
- I am a leader and it is important to be right so I need to think about it some more
- I wish there were one where the people, the business, and our customers all won
- My Strengthfinder talent is analytical, so I will keep using it and then switch to reason #2
- I am just plain scared of what I have to do
Simple blurs the resistance that keeps us from moving forward. Seth calls it Shipping. Simple makes us feel like ‘I just need to figure this out.’ We move by the resistance by speaking the truth and using it to gain the support that will help us ship.
I sat with a leader recently that shared a story about a difficult conversation they had just had with an employee that was not performing and it was too important of a job to allow it to continue. The employee agreed with the non-performance, and it looks like they will probably leave in the next 30 days or be let go. Simple. This conversation has been evolving for 12 months. Not Easy.
Simple doesn’t mean easy.
Choose to ship. Encourage and support others to make the same choice.
trUTip – QuickTip: Want to explore the concept of resistance? Check out this video by the author of Taming Your Gremlin: A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way by Rick Carson. I also like the book.