“Do you have any plans?”

First, let’s agree that there is a problem.

It could be that I think we’re dealing with something serious, something expensive, something urgent – and you don’t.

We can have an honest conversation about the problem without thinking about whether there is a simple or specific solution.

Whether it’s a problem (there are solutions to problems) or it’s just a situation, something like gravity that we have to have with us we can also talk about.

Once we agree that we have a problem, the status quo will be seen. It will argue with every tool it has that any change from the current path is too risky, too costly and too painful to consider. The situation will stop. It will argue for the study and exacerbate the pain that will be for some as we try to make things better for everyone.

And status co is usually won. This is because the makers of change are now playing defense, being forced to justify every choice and overcome every difficulty.

Perhaps there is a more useful way forward.

There is a problem that we start with consent.

And then each team, each unit, needs to put forward a plan. A plan that either solves the problem or takes responsibility for not solving it.

And for each plan, we can consider the possible outcome. For each plan, we can ask, “Will it work?” And follow it, “Why?” And how? “

Perhaps you don’t think it’s a problem to solve. Before we ask you if you have any plans, it’s important to make them clear.

Delay may be the best option. But then let’s be honest and declare instead of just stalling.