Another Ugly Four Letter Word That Traps Human Spirit

We get caught up in our routines, what we are good at, what our daily tasks are and are simply set on getting through the day and week. Suddenly, a challenge is presented and it totally disrupts our practices, our procedures, our comfort level. The successful and positive person sees the challenge for what it is. Is it an opportunity to find a better way? Something that is going to take time and money to fix? Does it have to be addressed now or can we revisit it later? He or she puts a priority upon the challenge and works towards a solution.

The alternative is to have it hinder us or totally block us from moving forward and it can suck up valuable other resources (other people, their time and money) or discourage us and destroy morale. This mindset can infect an organization like a cancer robbing it of resources and productivity. Leaders leading by example should set the tone that every challenge is an opportunity. Getting past "can't " can be difficult sometimes and cost money like developing a pen to write in outer space; or, it can be as simple as taking a pencil to write with instead of developing that pen.

The attitude and emotional intelligence we possess and share with others as leaders can knock out that cancerous environment and help inspire a "can do" culture. Sometimes, we simply have to stop talking, listen, and think for the right solution- and it is not always the quickest. You CAN get past "can't" if you try.