Last week I discussed a quote that has been attributed to Albert Einstein: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Another great quote by this amazing individual is: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
Both of these are exceptional quotes, and they go hand in hand. My thought is that the problem quote most likely preceded the one on insanity. Often we as business owners try to solve problems that we have encountered using the same knowledge that got us into the situation to begin with. We have not spent time reflecting on the cause of the problems, gone out and tried to gain greater knowledge and information, nor have we availed ourselves of a mentor, expert or other individual that perhaps has already experienced similar problems and comes with an outside perspective. We tackle the problem with the same knowledge, experience and level of thinking that got us into the problem to begin with; thus, doing the same thing over again and expecting different results.
If we want a different outcome in our business we need to step back from it and see it from a different perspective. Often business owners are so deep in the weeds they cannot see clearly what is really going on. In order to see our current state, we have to slow down, step back and have a 30,000’ viewpoint. Once we are out of the weeds and we see things from a different perspective we can better determine how to proceed. Then we should be proactive and seek new knowledge, including help from others around us, to determine a different alternative to the thinking that created the problem to begin with avoiding the insanity of doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.
Need help getting out of the weeds and seeing your business from a different perspective? With over 40 years of C-level business experience and an MBA in organizational development, I am uniquely qualified to help you achieve success in your business. Give me a call: 503-312-3145.
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