Let The Fires Burn

Summary

• Sometimes, it's necessary to let certain problems persist in order to fix bigger issues. It's okay if a few customers are upset if solving the root problem helps many more in the long term.

• It's important to communicate to your team that certain complaints, like slow turnarounds or delays in contract signing, are acceptable while focusing on larger objectives.

• Trust that prioritizing major issues is more beneficial for the business, and remind your team that handling pay and operations is under control, ensuring them these temporary setbacks are planned.

• As a leader, giving permission to your team to temporarily overlook smaller issues can help everyone concentrate better on critical, overarching tasks that require immediate attention.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing a priority-based approach in both your business and personal growth efforts. Sometimes, you need to let small problems persist to tackle bigger, more impactful issues. This means it’s okay if there are a few unhappy customers or delays in processes if it allows you to address more critical challenges that affect many more people.

Communicate effectively with your team about which complaints or issues can temporarily take a backseat. If you're hearing feedback about slow turnarounds or delays, assure your team it's alright to focus energy on solving more significant problems. Let them know their main job right now is to fix the biggest hurdles—this way, they’re not spreading themselves too thin.

Trust in your own and your team’s ability to manage primary operations like pay and day-to-day business, reassuring everyone that any temporary setbacks in smaller areas are part of a larger plan. This empowers your team to concentrate on tasks that have the most significant long-term benefits.

Lastly, as a leader, give yourself permission to let these smaller fires burn. It’s about prioritizing effectively. You will have a clearer focus and can dedicate more resources to solving major issues. This strategy will not only streamline your processes but also ensure sustainable growth and success in the future.

Full Transcript

you need to let some of these fires burn it is okay if we have some upset customers because once we fix this we will fix the 500 customers that have been upset despite the fact that this is a harder problem to solve John if you get complaints from CS about this stuff your turnarounds being slow that's okay you can tell them I said it's fine Sarah and legal if you're having this issue and people are like hey we got to get these contract signed tell them I said it's fine and remember I pay everybody's paychecks and I'm telling you it's okay as hard as it is to let these fires burn we have to flex we have to focus on this one otherwise this one's going to burn us to a crisp