Our world today is a mess. The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most interesting ever and it’s only August.
I’m an optimist and resolutely refuse to see the darker side of things. My wife, the philosopher, reminds me often that there are always two sides to every story and the truth is found somewhere in the middle.
Everyone is quick to point out problems, but how many have a solution at hand?
One of my first assignments as a Lieutenant in the Maine Corps was to serve as the 2nd Marine Air Wing’s Internal Review Officer. My job was to audit the financial records of the 2nd Wing’s units. When completed, I reviewed the results, good and bad, with the Unit’s Commanding Officer.
At the end of one particular audit, the Colonel pulled me aside and told me that if I really wanted to stand out and be recognized, I should do more than just list the things they were doing wrong. He said that pointing out problems is easy. Anyone can do that.
He said that leaders provide solutions and that was the hard part. He wanted me to tell him how to fix the problems I identified. He wanted solutions.
He changed my perspective. Instead of being a hatchet-man and just seeing problems, he wanted me to see them as teaching/coaching opportunities and become a fixer.
Lesson Learned.
Tom Ziglar, Zig’s son, says, “When you focus on solving problems for the benefit of others, great things happen.”
Zig Ziglar said it this way. “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
So, 2020 is a mess. Big Deal. We have a choice – problems or opportunities.
My goal is to close out this year as one of my best ever. I don’t see problems; I see opportunities and possibilities everywhere.
Bobby Christy
