Should You Take a Completely Different Path

As a manager, you develop your plan based on business goals and objectives.  Your plan becomes a journey in which you will reach and surpass various milestones along the way, and each step should move you toward your goal. 

When you are struggling to move forward or trying to determine your next step, make the best decision you can based on the data you have in that moment.  Then analyze the results of your decision, adjust your plan, and take the next step thereby learning as you go.

Many years ago, I was snowmobiling with friends in the mountains of New Mexico and we happened upon a coyote.  We decided to follow the coyote but soon the coyote turned onto a new path and then another, trying to lose us.  Each time the coyote turned, the first snowmobile could not react fast enough, but the second or third snowmobile could make the turn and take lead in the chase.   After a few minutes, the coyote finally left the well-worn path and headed through the brush.  We were left behind; the coyote had won. 

Often in life, people try solving a solution by doing what they have always done.  If we repeat our same steps why should we expect a different result?  The coyote finally chose a completely different direction as a solution.  Like the coyote in the story, you may need to leave your well-worn path and choose a completely different direction.