What's the problem?

Colleagues,

MVP: Important issues are usually complex, so invest time uncovering the problem before treating the symptom.
 
One lesson I learned from The Artist’s Way was to pay attention to synchronicity.
 
When something similar happens several times, it is something I need to pay attention to.
 
In the past seven days I have had interactions with school leaders around these things:

• A struggling teacher who seems resistant to change
• A car line in which it is talking too long for students to get dropped off
• A school where there are too many discipline issues, both major and minor

 
What’s the similarity?
 
There are traditional approaches to solving these issues, but those approaches generally treat the symptom, not the problem.
 
These are incredibly complex situation, and a formulaic approach isn’t the best way to move forward.
 
Urgent leaders treat symptoms, but strategic leaders identify problems.
 
Acting before discovering the problem is like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see if it will stick. All you wind up with is a bigger mess.
 
Reflect on a significant challenge that you are facing:

• What is the impact of the challenge – why is it worth worrying about?
• Who are the stakeholders?
• If you couldn’t fix it, but you could make it a tiny bit better, what would “better” look like?

 
If you feel like sharing, I would love to hear what your challenge is! Click here to reply!
 
Today’s intention: Think about underlying causes before you act today. Begin by asking “why?”
 
Cheers!

Frederick