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While some feel Hurricane Matthew was not one of the most destructive storms in our nation’s history, it is still estimated that final numbers could find the storm approaching the $70 billion price tag of Hurricane Sandy. Though frightening, stressful, and uniquely demanding, here are 2 more key lessons that you can gain from this storm’s fury.
Lesson Seven: Deal in Specifics. One thing that happens often, I have discovered, centers around the “stories” that come forth during the arrival and departure of a hurricane. This is especially true and often comes from those brave warriors who decide to stand their ground and stay in their homes. Stories abound about life changing battles of the wind and rain in the same venue as the 3 pound sea bass caught in less than 5 minutes that becomes a 25 pound red fish caught after a 2 hour battle. When pressed for specifics, the story always seems to change or becomes less pronounced.
Specifics enable realities of the moment to become clearer and more visible so that proper analysis might be achieved. Whether in business or life, the more specifics you have regarding an issue, the better positioned you will be to deliver a proper response or secure a workable solution. As writer Israelmore Ayivor says, “I’ve discovered that you will achieve nothing if you pursue everything. Be specific and stay focused.”
Lesson Eight: Survey the Outcome. In the insurance world it is virtually impossible to pay a claim after a hurricane until the outcome has been evaluated. It must be observed that damage did indeed occur and that a loss as prescribed in the contract has rendered the policyholder at a disadvantage. Claim dollars are simply not paid without proof of loss. In business and life, the most effective means of getting to a final resolve comes from demanding the time to survey the outcome of a particular encounter. Such action allows you to know where you stand in your current situation and can provide you with insight as to what steps you need to take to either reload, rebuild or relocate your issue.
Picking up the pieces following a stumble is never easy. However doing the investigation necessary after a setback or action, will enable you to effectively know which avenue of recovery or support should be taken. Thus, a “picture” is truly worth a thousand words.
Action Step: Is there a situation right now in your business that might be in need of a fresh perspective? Can you apply one or both of these lessons to help? Could breaking things down into more specific issues or details help you see your way through? Or could you be too mired in the details and need to look at things from a higher view?
Next week I'll share 2 more key lessons...
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