Executive Insight
Tip of the Week
Issue #72, August 12, 2010
ISSN 1947-2889
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Hi !

Welcome to this week's issue of Executive Insight.

**The Right Groove**

The definition of insanity (doing the same thing over and over
again and expecting different results) came to mind during a recent
discussion with a colleague. I thought about this because I had
been trying every imaginable way to solve a problem, and getting
poor results.

Although I was not doing the same thing over and over again (far
from it), I was thinking about the problem from the same point of
view. I discovered that I hadn't thought through the "why", and as
a result, no matter how many different ways I tried to solve it, I
wouldn't achieve a satisfying outcome.

Effective problem solving is a core competency for most
professionals, and this episode is a good example of how
unintentionally we can get stuck in the wrong groove.

Here are some questions to consider that go beyond the obvious when
a problem has you baffled:

* Can you identify common characteristics among the pieces of the
problem that may provide clues to an answer?
* Is there a theme among the different solutions you've tried that
may trigger an idea?
* Does your ideal desired outcome provide clues that you haven't
"seen"?

The last question is a reminder that one of the best ways to reach
a successful resolution is to look at the challenge with fresh
eyes. 

It's not always easy to see with fresh eyes on your own, because
you may be too close to the problem. When you brainstorm with
someone who isn't involved with the situation, you can often
receive new and fresh insights.

Try these ideas the next time you find yourself stuck, and before
you know it, you'll be back in the right groove.

Have a great week!
Lisa

© 2010 Lisa M. Aldisert

Lisa Aldisert is the president of Pharos Alliance, Inc., a
management consulting firm that works with organizations in the
areas of strategy, business development, and
organizational/leadership development. Give us a call at
212-332-3242 to see how we can help you create strategies that make
sense for your organization, and result in increased revenue and
profitability.  
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**Quote of the Day**
"It has never been my object to record my dreams, just the
determination to realize them."
-  Man Ray

**August 12th Trivia**
Today is Vinyl Record Day, dedicated to preserving the cultural
influence of vinyl recordings. 
 
**On this day in history**
In 1898, the island territory of Hawaii was annexed to the United
States.

**Interested in growing your business?**
We can help! Please go to http://www.freegiftfrom.com/lisanyc

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