“Don’t get caught watching the paint dry.” It’s an iconic movie line with an important business lesson.
The only way I’ve found to avoid watching the paint dry is to have metrics and KPIs that provide early indications the train is slowing – or off track.
In uncertain times, leaders need (even more of) an early advantage.
I was reminded of this stark reality when one of my companies was slow to react to a change in a leading indicator: # of leads. We only investigated because sales had slowed. Ultimately, it was a tech issue – not an actual pipeline slowdown – but the leads were gone…
Made me think: Where am I watching the paint dry?
• I went fishing with Big Mike. His fishing game didn’t match his volleyball skills. Even Captain Kirk started heckling him when he replaced Mike’s 35th straight lost bait.
In fairness, it was Mike’s first time.
But Big Mike kept a Craftsman’s mentality. Bait after bait, he repeated, “I just need more reps, fellas. I’m gonna get this…”
Nate and I joined the Captain in heckling Big Mike.
And then it happened. He got it. He reeled in fish after fish after fish.
He was right. He just needed more reps. Your mindset matters when trying and mastering new skills.
Made me think:
– Is my mind an asset or liability? Where can I use more reps?
– What’s the skill that you’re not working on because it’s a struggle – yet it’s holding you back from your goals?
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