Embrace the Roadblocks
I’ve got good news and bad news for you. The bad news is that no matter how hard you work on your business and how many systems and processes you implement, there will be roadblocks, issues, and obstacles. There’s no escaping them.
But it’s okay, because the good news is that once you find out how to get through the roadblock, the solution to the issue, or the way over the obstacle, you’ve now either eliminated that pesky problem for good, or you’ve figured out exactly how to deal with it should it ever arise again. These roadblocks ultimately make you and your business stronger.
“If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”
-Frank A. Clark
The thing to keep in mind is that the roadblock you see on the surface is probably not the actual root issue. It’s more likely to be a symptom of the true problem. Consider it like peeling an onion. For example, if you have an employee that just cannot get a project done by the deadline, you might be inclined to think that the employee is the problem, sweep it under the rug, and move on. Or even worse, call out the employee, make them feel unvalued, and affect the team dynamic. But peel a layer back and consider if expectations were made clear, if the employee was properly trained, and if the deadline was effectively communicated. If they were, peel another layer and ask if the project itself has a roadblock. If it doesn’t, peel another layer and consider the employee’s time capacity. You might realize that they are really doing the work of more than one role, and it’s preventing them from being able to complete this project. The actual root problem is that you need to hire someone. The great news is that hiring to fill an additional role is ultimately going to make your team stronger.
Moral of the story: do not shy away from the roadblocks or pretend they don’t exist. Embrace them. Welcome them. Appreciate them. They are going to propel your business forward as they are dealt with and eliminated. But the key first step is to not make assumptions. Examine it from all angles to get down to the true root issue.