It’s super easy to fall into the assumption trap. You hear about a problem, assume you know what the right solution is and leap to the implementation phase.
It’s especially easy to do this if you’ve got some expertise in the area, or in a space that’s very adjacent. If you’ve got a preferred tool, approach or way of working, then it’s even easier still.
The most difficult times are when your solution is almost certain to work because it’s a big thing. You will fix a specific design issue in a system by tearing it down and starting again. You will fix a leak in a roof by stripping it down and redoing the felt, batons and tiles.
However, you might well cause some new problems. It may cost a lot more than another option you could have pursued. The opportunity cost can’t be ignored, you might have been able to do several things with that effort.
So instead of seeing every problem as a nail and jumping to your trusty hammer, what can you do?
Pull in your coaching mindset and explore a bit. Ask some questions and gather some options. Set your criteria for what success looks like. If you are planning to extend into the loft in a couple of years then the big job might not be necessary and annual maintenance might be more effective.
When people grab quickly at a standard approach or preferred solution then it’s an indication they are not staying curious enough for long enough. Help them lift up the carpet and get a real look at the state of play and open up to other options.
There’s never just one good choice, there’s always trade-offs and there’s certainly more than one way to do it.
Explore, validate and choose, don’t assume!
James Osborn 