The following is an excerpt from a Fast Company Magazine article, originally adapted from Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by best-selling authors Chip Heath and Dan Heath.
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That's the first step to fixing everything from addiction to corporate malaise to malnutrition. A problem may look hopelessly complex. But there's a game plan that can yield movement on even the toughest issues. And it starts with locating a bright spot--a ray of hope.
Our focus, in times of change, goes instinctively to the problems at hand. What's broken and how do we fix it? This troubleshooting mind-set serves us well--most of the time.
When it's time to change, we must look for bright spots--the first signs that things are working. We need to ask ourselves a question that sounds simple but is, in fact, deeply unnatural: What's working and how can we do more of it?
As I was reading this article I began thinking about our own industry and our focus on "the problem at hand"--the lousy economy. Let's face it, the economy is broken and we can't fix it.
So let's stop complaining about it.
Let's look for bright spots.
Which landscape industry professionals in your area are prospering despite the poor economy? Are any other local small businesses thriving?
We need to speak with these successful companies and entrepreneurs. These folks have the answers for us.
This is the perfect time of year to attend industry events as well as community events like Chamber of Commerce meetings. You will find numerous bright spots at these events. Talk to them, learn from them.
As Chip and Dan Heath write:
We need to switch from archaeological problem solving to bright-spot evangelizing.
Even in failure there is success.
I'm looking for the bright spots amongst all of you--and I want to hear about it. I'm asking that you post your stories so others can read about your success and perhaps gain some inspiration.
I'm looking for big and small successes--they all matter.
I'm asking that you post the comments on my Facebook Page instead of here because I think they will persist longer and reach more readers (sorry for the inconvenience).
You can post your stories and comments here.
To your success,
Chris Heiler
