Watch Out for Icebergs

It happens all the time. We get asked a question, a request is made of us or a situation requires some action and the answer seems simple. In an effort to get something off our plate, we quickly reply, comply or supply and move on. We are not on the lookout for Icebergs.

Icebergs are the times when the question, request or situation is not just what appears to be sticking out of the water, but also about what is going on underneath the surface. According to Wikipedia “typically only one-ninth of the volume of an iceberg is above water”.

Do we need to always be worried about Icebergs? The simple answer is no. Not everything is an Iceberg. But in our fast-paced, virtual, and matrix world, there are a lot of Icebergs. We need to first be aware that there are Icebergs and then decide what to do about them. Most of the times, Icebergs are opportunities and sometimes they are hazards to avoid.

Has this ever happened to you? You get a request for a piece of information. You pull up a file or email and quickly forward it to the person making the request. Great! Done with that! Let’s move on. Ten emails later – the simple request has become a major task or problem to resolve.

What would help you avoid this Iceberg? The first step is to PAUSE and then ask yourself some key questions:

1. What does the tip of the Iceberg look like? [What is obvious about the situation?]
2. What is underneath the surface of the water? [What can’t I see?]
3. What impact could the Iceberg have for those who come into contact with it? [How does this affect others and me?]
4. How do I navigate the Iceberg? [What can I control or influence?]
5. What’s my destination? [What do I want to happen?]?

To get this process started, use the acronym: WUWBS -“What’s Underneath What’s Being Said?”

What do you do to avoid Icebergs? Share your thoughts below.