Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago · 3 min. reading time · 0 ·

Blogging
>
Graham🐝 blog
>
In search of creative problem solving... a case study.

In search of creative problem solving... a case study.

The topic of meetings came up the other day, as well as the love-hate relationship we have with them. 

LunCH TIME
SpecialWhen managed well, meetings are a great forum for transferring information, leveraging the power of a group and driving the implementation of initiatives; when they are not, they are a desert of great despair and frustration. One of the greater challenges can be time management, particularly if you are dealing with a number of meetings back, to back, to back, to back; so for me, meetings have to start on time and are managed to an agenda - And with that said, let me set the stage for an interesting case study.

There was a time when I was the lead for a training program that involved the hiring, training and strategic deployment of entry level sales professionals into the field (high potential people with little or no experience in the business world). Most, if not all, were Millennials*: well educated, technologically savvy, strong sense of self worth, strong work-life balance expectations, collaborative by nature, and full of an infectious energy. On day two of a particular training program, it was time for lunch and I made it clear that we would start the meeting back up at 1:00 "sharp"... I stressed the importance that everyone needs be back on time. After the room empties, I mention to a colleague that I would not be surprised if some of them are late. He smiled and I did not.

I want to pause for a moment to offer some thoughts on "problems". Problems and challenges are associated with all situations and we regularly anticipate and identify what problems may lie ahead; we then tend to stack rank these problems so we can deal with the most important ones first. The thing about problems though is they are not independent and tend to be connected to other potential problems that can actually have more impact; you need to:

  • Identify actual and potential problems that you are going to have to deal with.
  • Remember perceived smaller problems can lead to larger problems if not dealt with appropriately
  • Stack rank these problems so you can deal with them in the most efficient manner
  • Remember problems have a mind of their own, so sometimes they never appear and sometimes they leave you little time to deal with them.

Now circling back to my little drama. The "face value" issue with being late for lunch was a small problem as the agenda gets pushed back by 15 minutes... big deal in the scheme of things right? However, there was a much bigger problem lurking if it was not dealt with - A was a slippery slope that would lead to compromising the authority structure, erode credibility, and ultimately devalue the core foundations being taught to ensure success. It would end up being a long four months.I look at my watch... 12:50 and some people are back in the room; by 1:00, only half of the class is back. I had been mentally working on a number of solutions to my small, but potentially, big fat problem, and landed on this one.

I simply said to the people in the room, "Well it looks like we have to wait for the others and I'm wondering, do you think their time is more valuable than your time?" Loaded questions are so much fun as the answer I got back was "no" - And rightfully so!

As we waited, and as people filtered in, I deliberately asked them to stay standing. It was here that I was struck with a little bit of creativity to ensured my problem went away. I waited for all but one of the stragglers to arrive and I started discussing quietly the value and importance of people's time and waited. As the last last person entered the back of the room I very dramatically put up my hand and said " STOP RIGHT THERE! IS YOUR TIME MORE VALUABLE THAN THEIR TIME!" (accompanied by the appropriate hand gestures). To that he answered quietly, "No sir". I then emphatically reviewed the value of respecting people, time, and what we where doing here . I let them all sit down and at 1:15 started up again. It was 15 minutes well spent in my mind.

  • More often of not, there are a number of solutions to a problem; work with the one you believe will be the most effective.
  • In my experience creativity does come with a "flash like" entrance. Go with it when it does.
  • Deal with a problem. Don't avoid it. It will not go away and will just become bigger and more complicated.

If you are wondering, no one was ever late again and I had solved my little problem. But you know, there will always be another problem right around the corner... this is how we learn, grow and thrive

Now let me tell you about the time someone thought it was a good idea to bounce a basketball outside my office door...

iamgpe

www.gpestratagem.com 

*Millennials, also known as the Millennial Generation or Generation Y are the demographic cohort following Generation X. There are no precise dates when the generation starts and ends. Researchers and commentators use birth years ranging from the early 1980s to the early 2000s (Wikapedia). I have spend many years hiring, training, coaching and working with Millennials. They are great fun and have taught me so much ! 


"
Comments

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #5

#3
Thanks of the comment Brian McKenzie. I had heard that in the old J&J days that the moment the meeting started; the doors were closed, locked and anyone on the other side was fired. Maybe an urban legend but none the less thought provoking and cautionary.

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #4

#2
Thanks of the comment Randy Keho. They weren't late agin but one person told me they were late for my meeting because they slept in, another thought it was a good idea to play basketball in the office and once I had a full fledged gang up in the middle of a presentation with name calling and tears.... good times, good times.

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #3

#1
Thanks for the comment Kevin Pashuk. If I remember correctly I just looked at him, said,"Really?" and took the ball... besides, he didn't even ask me to play.... lol.

Randy Keho

7 years ago #2

I'm surprised that no one was ever late, again. Millennials can be quite creative, too. You know they love technology. I've had a few send me a text telling me that they've quit -- 10 minutes before they were due to arrive on Monday morning, leaving other people to pick up the slack.Graham Edwards

Kevin Pashuk

7 years ago #1

... and you wonder why we act like curmudgeons Graham Edwards? (The basketball I mean. Great object lesson for this group of fine young minds.

Articles from Graham🐝 Edwards

View blog
1 year ago · 1 min. reading time

One of the simplest examples of a Sacred Cow can be found when you write blogs because there’s a sma ...

2 years ago · 2 min. reading time

It’s one of those books that is dense with information — not hard to comprehend but contains so much ...

1 year ago · 1 min. reading time

I was a talking to a local businessman and as part of our conversation he said something to me in It ...

Related professionals

You may be interested in these jobs

  • VON Canada

    RN (registered nurse)

    Found in: Talent CA 2 C2 - 1 hour ago


    VON Canada Digby, Canada

    Education: · Expérience: · Education · Bachelor's degree · Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses · CPR Certificate · First Aid Certificate · Licensure as a Registered Nurse by provincial or territorial authorities · Transportation/travel information · Own vehicle · ...

  • Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health

    Health Care Social Worker

    Found in: Talent CA C2 - 1 week ago


    Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health Truro, Canada

    Click here to apply as an internal applicant.Req ID: 176289 · Company: Nova Scotia Health · Location: NorthernZone, Colchester East Hants Health Centre · Department: MHA NZ Strat Fund Addiction Hubs CRH · Type of Employment: Casual Casual Relief(3%FTE) x 1position(s) · Status: ...

  • Hard-Line Overhead Doors Ltd.

    office administrative assistant

    Found in: Talent CA 2 C2 - 1 hour ago


    Hard-Line Overhead Doors Ltd. Calgary, Canada

    Education: · Expérience: · Education · Secondary (high) school graduation certificate · Tasks · Schedule and confirm appointments · Answer telephone and relay telephone calls and messages · Answer electronic enquiries · Order office supplies and maintain inventory · Greet peopl ...