The Fallacy of the Quick Fix
Every week, a client shares something with me that is confusing and painful…and not like, “Gee, that sucks” painful, more like, “I don’t share this with many people” painful.
It is my professional privilege to be entrusted with these challenging, personal stories that are usually rich with insight. However, two words always come up that I wish every leader would stop using: FIX IT.
As in…
How am I supposed to FIX IT?
I don’t know how to FIX IT!
Please tell me how you would FIX IT.
These two, short words are so ubiquitous that most people don’t realize how often they fall back on them and how woefully outdated they are in the modern workplace, where work is so personal, complex, and interconnected that a quick fix is usually impossible!
So, when a quick fix is off the table, here’s what you can do…
FIND YOUR PEOPLE & REFINE YOUR APPROACH
Because every workplace is different and every bad day is the result of a unique set of circumstances, trying to find a quick fix may actually end up wasting your time, talent, and resources.
So, when disappointment and defensiveness show up in your modern workplace, the first thing you should do is find your people and refine your approach using these six steps:
I. SLOW DOWN
Try not to react or take the bait, but gather your team and choose your words wisely as you try to take in the problem that needs your attention.
II. EMPATHIZE or APPRECIATE
Notice any pain or discomfort in your team and allow it, or explicitly acknowledge that their emotions are evidence of how much they care.
III. ASK QUESTIONS
Don’t waste valuable time and energy trying to figure out who to blame. Instead, try to learn as much as you can about what’s still possible and investigate any interdependencies.
IV. SET NEW, MEANINGFUL TARGETS
Decide what refined approach you are all willing to use going forward, and get really clear about each phase and how you will measure progress.
V. GET CREATIVE
Let go of any “Let’s get it right this time!” language and commit to new ideas, continuous learning, and relentless development of the next best iteration.
VI. OUTPERFORM EXPECTATIONS
Overdeliver and surpass expectations. Bring your best effort and sprinkle in a little surprise to model generosity in hard times.
Because ‘FIX IT’ is just a demotivating holdover from the industrial era and it’s high time we left it behind.
In the new ‘Relationship Economy’ or what some are now calling ‘The Intelligence Age,’ it’s time to level up our language and approach today’s complex and un-fixable problems in a more holistic way.
I guarantee that, over time, it will deliver even more beautiful results!
Invest in yourself
Ever thought about working with a coach, but never taken the leap to invest in yourself? This is a great time to prepare yourself for whatever 2025 might throw your way.
