Just because you’re not yet aware of a problem…

One Simple Idea... “Just because you’re not yet aware of a problem doesn’t mean you don’t have a problem.”

That’s what a physician friend of mine observed this weekend during our catch-up call.

He pointed out that a lot of people think their health is fine…until they get a diagnosis. Or they think their roof is fine…until they have a leak.

Or they think their collaboration is going fine…until it implodes.

That moment when you realize there’s a problem is your dysfunction awareness threshold.

It’s at that point--finally--that many people activate in search of a solution. They change their diet. They call the roofer. They seek counsel.

Here’s the problem with relying on your dysfunction awareness threshold:

By the time you realize there’s a problem that needs your attention, it may be too late to reverse the situation. Or the fix may be too costly. Or the consequences may have already surfaced.

To address problems early, you need to know the leading indicators to watch out for.  Yet, if physical health or roofs or collaboration don’t happen to be your area of expertise, you may be unable to even see the flashing yellow lights.

One solution:  Learn the early signs of a problem.

Another: Commit to regular inspections or diagnostics.

Get your check up. Get your roof inspected. Assess your organization’s collaborative ecosystem.

How might the idea of the dysfunction awareness threshold apply to your work?