Think it Over

You can't solve a problem with the same thinking that created it.

Albert Einstein

Every decision is a deliberate act. It's the result of a well rehearsed pattern. Using this pattern, we often gather data, analyze it and draw conclusions without much conscious effort. We do it because it works. And it works because our life experience has refined the technique that brings us the best results -- most of the time.

These patterns of decision making are usually helpful. After all, if we had to go through a six step decision making process every time we wanted to start the car or make a pot of coffee, we'd never get very far or, for that matter, wake up.

The problem arises when the pattern fails us for some reason. For example, starting the car is routine until the engine won't turn over. If at that point we keep using the same old technique of turning the key, we'll only succeed in running the battery down.

Individuals, teams, corporations and even countries routinely stick with a failing course of action. They keep applying the solutions that used to work despite evidence that they no longer work.

If you're not getting the results you want, stop the process. Take a second look. Make a conscious effort to find a new solution. Figure out what's working now.

George Ebert is the President of Trinity River Seminars and Consulting, a firm specializing in the custom design and delivery of team building, personal growth and ethical development programs. Mr. Ebert is a highly sought after speaker, educator and consultant with over thirty years experience in both the public and private sectors. He has presented widely throughout the Unites States. He is the author of the management cult classic, Climbing From the Fifth Station: A guide to building teams that work!

---

The High Cost of Employee Turnover Among Project Managers

Imagine for a moment this scenario from a frustrated Senior... Read More

Project Management - Its Just A Button

I once worked with a developer who showed up at... Read More

How to Say No

Rejection hurts. No one likes to give it or to... Read More

Finding Common Ground Through Consensus Decision-Making

It's clear to me that a workplace is a better... Read More

Setting Clearer Performance Expectations

The annual performance review.Stating this phrase guarantees some reaction for... Read More

3 Steps You Can Use Developing Leaders In Your Industry

With the economy bordering on a recession, every company is... Read More

Problem Solving the Problem Solving Meeting

We go to meetings to share information, to report on... Read More

Creativity Management - The Value of Being Prolific

When asked his secret to success, the author Graham Green... Read More

Boost Your Leadership Skills Simply By Answering The Question, What Does Our Organization Really...

The difference between leaders is ears. Good leaders not only... Read More

Take The Guesswork Out Of Problem Solving

In today's chaotic world and uncertain economic times too many... Read More

Use Every Weapon You Have

One of the strongest weapons available allows business, non-profit and... Read More

Executive ESP: A Pathway to Success!

We all have psychic abilities that we use daily, although... Read More

Interviewing: How to Stay Out of legal Hot Water

Some interviewers ask great questions; others ask dumb questions; and,... Read More

Its All In The Systems

Have you ever noticed french fries taste the same at... Read More

Five Reasons Why Leaders Fail to Create Successful Change

A bold title, don't you think? I mean, change is... Read More

How Can A Communications Audit Help You?

Organizations communicate in two directions: internally to staff and externally... Read More

50 Great Ways to Motivate and Not Break the Bank

Quick, Easy, and Even Fun! 1. Smile, say "Hi! How... Read More

Romford Accountants: Accountancy Firm Roles and Responsibilities

If you own or operate a business in the UK,... Read More

The Dripping Faucet in Every Organization

Each day millions of workers spend 8 hours or more... Read More

How to Delegate More Effectively

Do this simple excercise, and transform your life.First, Make a... Read More

Avoid Outsourcing Pitfalls in the Injection Molds and Stamping Dies Markets

When looking to outsource overseas for Plastic Injection Molds or... Read More

The Paradox of Job Enrichment

Ellen was a clerk working for a large insurance company.... Read More

Preparing a Budget

Ok, you say, I know I need a budget, but... Read More

Compensation and Six Sigma Black Belts

One of the more ambiguous elements of a Six Sigma... Read More

Great Groups! - Getting a Group to Think Like a Genius

Great Groups! - Getting a Group to Think Like a... Read More

Identifying Potential in Ourselves and Others

If there is someone nearby as you read this look... Read More

Keeping Meetings On Track

We all have been in meetings with certain people who... Read More

Dont Get Caught With Your PR Down

Why risk the embarassment when with a little basic PR... Read More

Reprimanding Marginal Employees

THE MARGINAL PERFORMER: Every manager must, from time to time,... Read More

Five Tips for Analyzing an Income Statement

In today's article, we'll be looking at the income statement,... Read More

5 Interviewing Mistakes That Can Lead To Hiring The Wrong Person

Mistake #1: Going with the flowInexperienced interviewers sometimes fall into... Read More

Project Management - I Want It ALL

The knee-jerk response to prioritizing requirements is to mark everything... Read More

Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Solutions

Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people... Read More