Surely you've heard about the ripple effect. A pipeline bursts in Alaska and the speculation of disaster results in higher gas prices. Forecasted snow brings a rush on groceries and snow shovels. The thought of potential shortage spikes the price of the Christmas gifts to three times the intended retail value. It's cause and potential effect.
In the same way, our actions produce a ripple effect.
Life is a bit like a chess match. For us to win, we need to think three moves
ahead. Every potential move from the opponent should result in a selected
strategy to counter. Nothing is left to chance. Unfortunately, few people
choose to live their lives this way.
Recently I taught a workshop on management skills to a group of Executive Assistants. One attendee complained initially of a boss who refused to delegate tasks to her and how this made her job incredibly boring and miserable. Meanwhile, her boss was terrible to deal with, complete with emotional outbursts and other unpredictable behaviors. She was very unhappy and even did her final group project focusing on a way to get her boss to trust her. If he only knew the ripple effect his personal management style was having on his staff.
I've seen this often with clients. One or two bad decisions leading to an steady stream of negative consequences. Our actions today produce results that either bring joy or sorrow...with interest. If this concerns you, why not take these three steps when making important decisions:
- Look at the consequences to me. What will this action result in. What are the short term and long term effects. Will I benefit or suffer because of this decision in both the immediate and distant future.
- Look at the consequences to others. Will this action draw people to me or drive them away. Who else will feel the negative effects of a poor decision. Family? Friends? Co-workers? Staff members?
- Look at the consequences to my career. Will my action produce benefits to help me reach my goals or will this cause severe impediments? Could this decision become a career-killer? Will I look back 5 years from now and kick myself for the decisions I make?
Life is full of choices. It's what makes our day to day existence so dynamic. We're products of our choices but so (fortunately or unfortunately) are our family, friends, co-workers, and staff members. Take some time this week to consider the ripple effect. Every action produces reactions. Let's make sure the reactions are the ones we hope for. The beginning of a new year is a great time to start a new strategy. Maybe this is a good one to kick off with?





Recent Comments