Some people have asked what the symbolism is of the “man in the light” used throughout the website at MBBcc.com – I’ve figuratively seen businesspeople in this situation many times, blinded by a glare of uncertainty that they are so unsure of what to do next, they either do nothing or keep doing the same thing that got them to this point of stagnation or confusion.
Inspired by lines from the movie Poltergeist – It’s a dire warning to avoid the light without knowing the source, as it could be dangerous. A conflict: go into the light or not?
This “blinded by the light” phenomenon, with apologies to Bruce Springsteen, comes about in business when there is no strategic guidance for decision-making. The organization lacks the processes to systematically detect the complexity of a situation, leading to an inability to make an evidence-based decision to direct their action, leaving managers flat-footed. Of course, this compounds the situation, and small problems become big problems, and a model of reactionary work takes over. Affectionately known as “firefighting,” managers and staff are in a constant scramble, and leadership needs answers, action, and results. In large organizations, this might sound familiar. In startups, it manifests as conflict or confusion between founders and teams.
I’ve used this symbolism because I’ve been there! I’ve helped many business owners, leaders, and managers turn their situation around by using disciplined and practical business problem-solving techniques. Facing the light symbolizes navigating the unavoidable complex problems faced by all businesses.
Of course, you cannot avoid the day-to-day work that needs to be done, and the natural inclination can be to address the big problems later, deciding that the most important thing is to just get the work done. This dichotomy ignores the fact that the work being done and the problems you face are closely aligned. The processes (or lack thereof) of the work have likely caused the problems, and the problems continue to compound and affect the work—the process death spiral. Addressing the work with obvious solutions of more resources will generally be met with a corresponding increase in the problems. So, to reinvoke Bruce:
“Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun. But Mama, that’s where the fun is!” – Bruce Springsteen – Blinded by the Light
How do you react when caught in the light like this? When the problems surrounding you get so overwhelming that you can’t see through the glare and the clouds of uncertainty, what do you focus on? What voices do you listen to? What disciplines guide your actions?
Many refuse to look at the light; they know instinctively that the problems will only distract them from the work that needs to be done. They continue to use the same practices, methods, and processes that likely caused the problems, possibly over a long period. One of the biggest weaknesses I’ve observed in businesses (large and small) is the reliance on solution-based thinking (just get it done!) without recognizing that the same problems continue to manifest in various forms. Detecting when to apply problem-based thinking, driven by disciplined problem-solving and decision-making processes, marks a point of business maturity that pivots the business toward excellence.
When you don’t know what the problem is, the only solution is to find out what the problem is!
All businesses have problems, and smart people easily solve problems. However, when the same problems continue to occur, the business might be well advised to take a more disciplined approach.
Face the problems, face the light—that’s where the fun is! Embrace the attitude that business can always be better, and only the people responsible for the work can solve the problems collectively as a team. Be the problem solver; follow disciplines that define what the system of problems are. Establish a deep understanding of what the problem actually is, not simply the pain being experienced (symptoms of a problem); organize, plan and then act. Always treat root-causes, not symptoms. Establish clear goals, roles, and processes to conduct your work, and do this incrementally, being consistent and persistent.
To bring the metaphor back to Poltergeist – “Run to the light, run as fast as you can..!”
The MBB framework of Continual Strategic Management (f_CSI) is designed to avoid these situations of uncertainty by elevating thinking above the obvious matters that are clouding your vision of what is important. The f_CSI enables monitoring of all aspects of the business to support decision-making, clarify and communicate the vision, and manage risks. The framework avoids uncertainty by establishing a unified understanding of 1) Goals, Roles, and Processes and 2) the business environment and risks that are regularly monitored and addressed.
Making Business Better – MBBcc.com is a coaching, advisory, and consulting practice, working with individuals and teams seeking personal and business excellence. Our mission is to help businesses be:
- Strategy Driven
- Process Managed
- Focused on Excellence
What does better mean for you? Schedule a FREE Consultation – MBBcc.com/discussion
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