Taking a fresh look at the problem

Friend, writer and blues musician Susan Rita Ruel tells me that learning to stand-up paddle has made her more effective in business meetings.  Rita lives in Manhattan and paddled half-way across the Hudson on her first try.  The “eureka” she got from her SUP success gave her a new perspective on work.

Stand up paddlers in Manhattan
Stand up paddlers in Manhattan.

That’s why I find learning new skills and meeting people so rejuvenating.  It’s all about getting unstuck enough to solve the problem at hand. Then, if the product is late, focus on the organization; if that’s in transition; focus on the leadership; if the leadership has nothing to say, forge new partnerships. Each tactical stab is a new insight into the bigger challenge.