Author of
The Gauntlet
There are always problems – a parade of challenges that command your attention. Systems are down, people or organizations are working against you, or there’s a compelling difficulty that needs resolution.
There are always opportunities – innovative ideas or new relationships waiting to be embraced. These are chances to create value, to share or give, to move faster, or to make something better.
And there are always limits – limited time, energy, money and other resources.
How do you prioritize where to invest your limited resources? Your answer shapes your attitude, your actions and your future.
If problem resolution is your default mode, then the risk is that your focus can be too tactical or short term, directed too inwardly, inhibiting your ability to sense and promptly assess growth opportunities. The problem with making problems your priority, aside from the fact that they can weigh you down, is that they consume attention and resources which might be better focused on opportunities that create value for your customers and your business.
Of course, problems can’t be ignored, but often, there are people in your operation whose primary function is to resolve problems. It’s your principal responsibility, and highest priority, to think long term, to think strategically, to focus on opportunities that could contribute to your future success. If you don’t do this, who will?
Investing more of your limited resources on opportunities versus problems is far more likely to produce something that matters, something sustainable, something that creates value.
How might investing more in exploring opportunities create value for your business?
