Delivering Results When It Seems Impossible
It’s the 11th hour. Your back is against the wall. As a leader, you’re now coming face-to-face with the reality that your first-class team of experts does not have a solution to a problem you’re trying to solve. What do you do? How do you get innovative and deliver results when it seems impossible?
Like me, you may have successfully led teams through some extremely challenging projects. My projects usually involved newly invented products or processes or required executing a plan in an innovative way. They all had one thing in common: Their solutions seemed elusive. Some of us would throw in the towel from frustration. Others would keep clawing with bloody fingers at the problem hoping for the break that never comes.
Then, there’s a selected few of us who would dig deep into the barrels of unconventional solutions for an approach to creatively deliver what initially seemed impossible. You too can accomplish that by first asking yourself a few simple questions.
What am I focused on?
You go towards your focus. If you focus on the problem, you will always have the problem. Take time to understand the problem but then shift your focus once you understand what you are trying to solve. When you focus on the objective and find the solution, you will break the rules created by paradigms and narrow-mindedness and enter the zone of innovative thinking.
When you have a challenging problem to solve, quickly get to focus on the objective. Making what seemed impossible, possible, requires innovation which cannot happen by focusing on the problem.
What is my biggest fear in this situation?
Your biggest fear is your kryptonite. It paralyzes you from going all out with your creativity. The first step in overcoming the fear is to acknowledge your kryptonite. It could be the fear of failure, the fear of disappointing someone, the fear of coming across as being “out of touch” with an out-of-the-box idea, or it could even be a fear that nothing significant will come out of your results.
Overcome your kryptonite by facing that fear. This could be an authentic conversation with your boss about how much risk she is willing to support. Your mind will be opened to new and innovative solutions when you eliminate your fear.
I had this Japanese wooden puzzle on my desk for some time before taking it apart. Why? Because it seemed impossible to solve and I was afraid, I could not put it back together. The problem? As long as I did not take it apart, I would never know if I could solve the puzzle.
How do I find the signal (path) in all the noise (data)?
You can get paralyzed with too much information. Also, you may have to wade through all your critics and those who say it’s impossible. Take a step back and look for a path through the forest of information and criticism.
You need to follow your objective to get on the path through all the noise. For example, if you are brainstorming ideas for a new widget, avoid the distraction of others asking questions like how you will make the widget. Stay focused on getting to the widget idea. After you have the best widget concept, you can concurrently focus on its design and the process to make it if necessary.
Work only on ideas that are laser-focused on your objective and not ones restricted by conventional boundaries and constraints.
How do I choose the best path forward?
You may have many creative options or ideas. Zero in on the selected few most likely to succeed. Then using a best value evaluation process, you can identify which option will deliver the best value. Focus the evaluation on the most significant variables like cost and schedule. On one of my projects, the best option was a manual operation versus an automated one. That option solved our critical schedule need. Sometimes, the most innovative idea is the simplest one.
In all of this, don’t forget to seek the wisdom of God to help you make the best decision. I am making this point last so it can be imprinted in your memory longer. This is your most important step. Your skills will deliver what you know. Wisdom, however, takes you beyond skills to fundamentally make the best choice on a path not seen before.
I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Phil 4:13 NIV
When you are stuck with an unconquerable challenge, take the time to ask yourself the questions above. They will increase your probability of success.
Empowered Leader Reflection
What did you do differently the last time you faced a seemingly impossible challenge and was successful?
We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation and reply with an answer below.
Praise the Lord, and thanks for today’s enlightenment.
The last time I faced an impossible challenge, I committed it to the Lord. Not sure I was making a wise decision in retiring at age 62-after teaching for 40 years. I was in a quandary. I asked the Lord for wisdom. I retired Dec. 31,2020-I believe it was a Friday. That Sunday I went to church praising my Lord. Got a phone call stating that my husband-who had gone to conduct a funeral for
his mom, was airlifted to Orlando Stroke and Heart Center. The rest is history. Thanking God for His answer to my question. Should I retire?
Wow Glenda, what a great praise report. When it seems impossible, God will always show us the way if we trust in Him. And also in your case, we know all things work for our good as you were able to take care of your husband without needing to ask for time off. Thank you for sharing your situation with us.