Take any project – a business expansion, a workforce reduction, an HR investigation, a product launch, a space renovation, a leadership succession transition – and consider the multiple steps required to bring the initiative to completion. The likelihood that the project will move seamlessly from beginning to end, without obstacles, is slim. Typically, any one of these impediments stalls the momentum.
Acknowledging that these stutters are normal is key to keeping things moving forward. The repetitive need for diagnosis and solution can be energizing instead of depleting, particularly for teams that enjoy the buzz of solving complex problems. It’s a mindset game. The obstacle either drains motivation or ignites challenge.
Play the ‘Unfortunately/Fortunately’ game. When describing the glitch in your next red/yellow/green accountability tracking meeting, begin your sentence with, ‘Unfortunately…” Then, rephrase the same report by starting with, ‘Fortunately…” Now, you can share gratitude for the unexpected opportunity to innovate.
Glitch-free momentum is not only a myth, it’s also no fun.