FOLLOW THE LEADER
162
FURTHER QUOTATIONS ABOUT
PROBLEM-SOLVING LEADERS
1. PROBLEMS:
- Anytime we think the problem is “out there,” that thought
is the problem. We empower what’s “out there” to control us.
The change paradigm is “outside-in” – what’s out there has
to change before we can change. The proactive approach is to
change from the inside out.^14
- The problems we face fall in one of three areas: direct
control (problems involving our own behavior); indirect
control (problems involving other people’s behavior); or no
control (problems we can do nothing about, such as our past
or situational realities).^15
- So often the problem is in the system, not in the people. If you
put good people in bad systems, you get bad results. You have to
water the flowers you want to grow.^16
- If the person is in the wrong job for whatever reason, then
removing the barrier means removing the person from the
job...I learned from Peter Drucker that if you have a
‘people problem,’ then fix it immediately. There is obviously
a compassionate way to achieve this, but procrastinating on
the action – once you are convinced you have identified the
person as the barrier to their own success – is not fair to the
organization or to the individual.^17
• THERE IS NO JOY IN EASY SAILING:
There is no thrill in easy sailing
when the skies are clear and blue.
There is no joy in merely doing
things which anyone can do.
But there is some satisfaction
that is mighty sweet to take;
When you reach a destination
that you thought you’d never make!^18
(Spirella)
