Confirmation, Rescue, and Obstacles

I suspect that many of the executives and managers whom I coach already know the answers to the situations they face but they simply want another opinion. Some are very open and others hold their cards close to the chest but all are seeking either confirmation or rescue. 

There have been many occasions when an approach merely needed some additional questions and the answer revealed itself. And there have been times when we flat-out disagreed. [They were wrong, of course, but that opinion may be slightly biased.]

There are common obstacles:

• Insufficient information. There is never enough information when complexity is present. You make decisions based on the best obtainable information. Information gaps require both judgment and courage.
• Ego. Some humility goes a long way. The ability to admit mistakes is a true sign of maturity.
• Detachment. Many people follow their passion right into a bottomless pit.
• Personalities. They are the trees which prevent a clear view of the forest.
• Creativity and energy. You can't do it all. Repeat that daily.
• Caring. Either too little or too much. You can't be a heartless bastard but all of us need a zone of indifference or else we'll go mad.
• Inaction. We are achieving, learning, preparing or resting and there is a time for each. We are not simply learning, preparing or resting.