Culture | Strategy Execution Institute®

Send to Kindle

This clip caught my attention, and I started thinking about the message.

Is it a problem to solved or a fact to be accepted? If the former, who will “solve” it?

In addition, several perspectives come to mind.

As a politician for a country (which I am not), I’d look at where the votes will come from and where the “troublemakers” are. My energies will be devoted to finding the messaging that tells all the “voting segments” they will be “safe” when I get myself into a position of power.

As a policy maker for a country (which I am not), I’d do my stint, write a few papers, give some recommendations, then look for a job in the UN, or similar tax free haven. The problem is too big to solve, but why not take advantage of my intellect? Why roll up my sleeves and get my hand dirty?

As a corporate tycoon (which I am not), I’d look at these as market segments that will dictate product features, prices, and profit margins.

As a parent, I would coach my kids to aim for the top 1% (play to win), not to avoid the bottom 25% (play not to lose).

As a social worker (which I am not), I would reach out to the top 10% and figure out a way to give the money to the bottom 10%. And I would have endless debates with myself about whether I should teach them to catch fish or to feed them fish. What if they are vegetarians?

As an individual, I day dream about being in the 1%, while coping with being in the middle 50%, and not sliding into the bottom 20%.

As an economist (which I am not), I would build models that explain all this, but not lift a finger to actually “solve” the problem. Maybe I’ll get a Nobel Prize, I’ll settle for a nomination or honorable mention.

As a philosopher (which I am not), I’d just shrug my shoulders and point out that the problem has existed since the dawn of time. Inflation has merely made the numbers look bigger and technology has made it easier to widen the gap. It is simply a reflection of humans as they see themselves.

Above all, I admire the awesome graphics and simple narration that got the message across so brilliantly. Now if I could do **that** well, I might instigate some action somewhere (in myself first).

Send to Kindle

The world around us is full of problems. Let us narrow the scope to the workplace and state: the workplace is full of problems. Let us narrow the scope even further: you are facing a lot of problems.

It is better to start by solving the smallest problem you can find, then work your way up. If you are handed a ginormous problem, break it down into smaller problems, then start by solving the smallest problem you can find. This will build your confidence as well as the foundation to solve bigger problems. Ergo, don’t worry about the world’s problem, or your co-workers’ problem. Start with your own. Charity begins at home.

You may observe that when faced by large problems, your co-workers are eager to instruct other co-workers how to solve problems, but don’t show the same enthusiasm to take action to solve their own. This appears to be generally true in society as well. Newspapers, magazines, blogs, TV, and other media are full of pundits that have answers for what others should do, but none of the speakers volunteer by saying, “I will do this…”

Stop teaching others, stop teaching yourself. Just get out there and start the “doing.” Walk the talk, and see the difference it makes.

Strategy Execution Institute®

Acquire Competencies to Deliver Results™

Category Archives: Culture

#74 Income distribution

#72 Why this enthusiasm to “teach?”