Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
Sometimes we have to find more than one way to get where we want to go. And sometimes that can be still be challenging, and we may not be sure that we can get there, but it is worth it in the end.
While I’m thinking this is particularly relevant for leaders in the workplace, I was reminded of this when several areas around my home were flooded on Sunday.I tried the usual route to get home and came across two people wading in water over their knees. I turned back and went a few miles around only to find a fallen tree across the road. Finally, with a bit more of a detour, I found a route home but still had to drive carefully through quite deep water.
Sometimes in the workplace we can find ourselves with challenges and blockers that seem to be stopping us getting where we want to go to. Sometimes these are external to us, but sometimes our own mindset and assumptions play a part.
To get where we want to go we may have to take a circuitous route and need to have enough motivation to get to the end point to make the detour worthwhile (for example I once took a step down into a company to join an organisation with great values and prospects – it paid off over time).
What can help us when the going gets tough and we need to find alternative approaches?
- Focus on the end game
Motivation can play a big part in enabling us to push through challenges to reach our goal. On Sunday, there were two dogs at home that needed a walk and would be wanting their dinner. I was definitely getting home to them somehow – whatever it took.it took. - Consider what you are prepared to do (and not prepared to do)
When considering approaches, we may have to consider doing something that seems tough or will take time. We need to be sure that we are up for that – as prepared as we can be and aware enough of the impact on ourselves so that we can adjust if needed.
I was considering parking my car in a safe place and wading through water to get to my home and dogs if necessary. - Consider the relative risks of different approaches before making a choice
If we have more than one option, considering the risks, how likely they are and what we can do about them can help us make a choice. My first route home involved deep water – the risk was too great that my car would not get through that. The second route was a no go with a tree across the road. The third route required me to watch a couple of other cars go through the water to see where they placed themselves on the road and how far the water came up on their car. - Choose your mindset
We don’t always think about this but it can really help us to move forwards when we make positive assumptions about our likelihood of reaching our goal. If we are telling ourselves that it is going to be tough going, guess what – that’s more likely to be true. If we tell ourselves that we are resourceful and can find a way then that’s also more likely to be true.
What tips would you add when navigating challenges?
As for my Sunday return journey, I was relieved when my final choice of going through the water proved successful… as were the dogs when I arrived home soon after and they got their time in the garden and their dinner!
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