Problem, Challenge, or Opportunity?

Today I heard some people having a heated discussion about whether it was better to refer to a situation as a "problem" or an "opportunity".

What a waste of time.

The REAL issue isn't the terminology - it is the fact that, typically, all they do is talk. That's a common situation that most people/businesses are in today. Here are some practical distinctions I make that I've been told by clients is helpful:

Definition of "Problem" = Anything that is unacceptable to you. The degree of your problem is the degree of unacceptableness. REALLY unacceptable = BIG problem.

Definition of "Challenge" = A problem that you are willing to face/fix.

Both "Problems" and "Challenges" are "Opportunities". The truth is: We have almost unlimited opportunities each and every day. You can choose to have one less soda a day and lose about 15 pounds a year. You can choose to wake up 30 minutes earlier each day and invest that time strategically considering your future. You can choose to take the 5 minutes immediately after reading this blog to call a friend or family member and tell them how much you care about them or to ask forgiveness/forgive them to enhance your relationship.

Every day. Every hour. Every minute is an opportunity.

The question is: "Will you take action"?

Merely talking about definitions of words and other concepts without acting on that discussion to add some kind of value is a complete waste of energy. Calling something a "problem" isn't what creates negativity/defeat. Failing to do anything constructive about the problem is what keeps it a problem - and retains the negative consequences.

Solution? Commit to do more than talk about what needs to improve. Take action to achieve something of substance that means something at the end of the day.

Just a suggestion...you could start with that phone call...

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Formula for Business Success: Follow and Improve

Everyone seems to be "getting back to basics" - and, for one, I'm glad. As long as the basics include a sophisticated look at long-term success.

To that end, I've been pondering how to simplify a formula for success without getting too simplistic. So far, here's what I've come up with:

Follow your heart (your passion) +
Follow your customer (their passion) +
Improve your skills (your product/services) +
Improve your relationships (engagement with employees/customers)

To me, based on what I've experienced/seen at world-class organizations all over the world, the overlap of all those things seems to equal "Success". Interesting how best-in-class companies lead by following - and are the best because they constantly get better. Pretty simple.

Maybe if leaders would take time to really get clear on these issues, they could take action in a way that paid off with growth and profits. Having this kind of a discussion with your team and your customers will likely reveal some pretty valuable insights.

Just a thought when pondering your own success.

Think about it...but more importantly, act on it - today!