“Which Problems to Ignore and Which Problems Really Matter” By Kristen Cox

Summary

In this episode of Everyday MBA, host Kevin explores the insights from Kristin Cox, author of "Stop Decorating the Fish," which focuses on identifying critical problems in organizations rather than being sidetracked by less important issues. Kristin emphasizes the importance of clarity in goal-setting, advising listeners to inventory their initiatives and assess barriers to delivering on customer promises. She shares a pivotal piece of advice about the power of mindset, highlighting that questioning limiting beliefs can unlock new possibilities. The conversation encourages organizations to rethink their approaches and strive for significant breakthroughs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Effective problem-solving requires identifying the right issues instead of focusing on superficial symptoms.
• 😀 Organizations need to set specific, ambitious, and controllable goals to drive performance.
• 😀 The 'Seductive Seven' refers to common distractions (like technology and data) that can mislead teams away from core objectives.
• 😀 Pausing non-essential initiatives can help teams refocus on what truly matters.
• 😀 Understanding the initial promises made to customers is critical for evaluating performance.
• 😀 Addressing obstacles that prevent fulfilling customer promises can enhance organizational effectiveness.
• 😀 Mindset plays a crucial role in success; questioning limiting assumptions can unlock potential.
• 😀 It's important to shift focus from whether something can be done to how it can be accomplished.
• 😀 Deepening the analysis of problems can foster mental discipline and lead to significant performance improvements.
• 😀 Engaging with mentors and seeking advice can help in overcoming personal challenges and shaping a successful mindset.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Kristin Cox's book, *Stop Decorating the Fish*?

The main theme of Kristin Cox's book is about identifying the right problems within organizations, setting appropriate objectives to solve them, and avoiding ineffective solutions that may worsen the situation.

What does Kristin mean by the 'Seductive Seven'?

The 'Seductive Seven' refers to common distractions that organizations face, such as technology and data initiatives that can lead them away from focusing on the real problems that need to be addressed.

Why is it important to set specific and ambitious goals according to Kristin?

Setting specific and ambitious goals is crucial because it provides clarity and direction. Vague goals can lead to confusion and hinder an organization's ability to effectively achieve desired outcomes.

What should organizations do to inventory their initiatives related to the 'Seductive Seven'?

Organizations should make a list of new initiatives or work related to the 'Seductive Seven' and consider pausing them to reassess their impact and relevance to the organization’s primary goals.

How does Kristin suggest organizations evaluate their promises to customers?

Kristin suggests organizations ask themselves what initial promises they made to customers and identify any barriers preventing them from delivering on those promises, fostering a deeper understanding of the underlying problems.

What is the significance of mindset in achieving success, according to Kristin's mentor?

Kristin's mentor emphasized that mindset plays a crucial role in success; what individuals believe about their capabilities significantly impacts their performance and ability to overcome challenges.

How does Kristin propose organizations can create breakthroughs in performance?

Kristin proposes that organizations can achieve breakthroughs in performance by thinking differently about the problems they face, questioning fundamental assumptions, and maintaining a focus on clear objectives.

What are the three action items Kristin recommends to listeners?

The three action items are: 1) Get clear on specific and ambitious goals that can be directly controlled; 2) Inventory initiatives related to the 'Seductive Seven' and consider pausing them; 3) Assess what prevents the delivery of original promises made to customers.

What question does Kristin encourage organizations to ask regarding customer promises?

Kristin encourages organizations to ask, 'What’s preventing you from delivering on the original promise you gave to your customer?' This reflection helps identify real issues that need to be addressed.

What is the final takeaway regarding problem-solving that Kristin shares?

The final takeaway is the distinction between asking 'Can we do something?' and 'How can we do it?' Understanding this difference can open up possibilities for organizations to innovate and solve problems effectively.