Mind The Gap

In one of my recent grad projects we had to identify several gaps within our organization. Once identified came the task of trying to figure out the root cause. After knowing the cause the next process was to lay out a plan on how to fix the initiatives. Then the final task of the project was to point out any resistance to the initiatives.

What is tough is not identifying the gaps. We are good at that. We are great at looking at the flaws of a system, item, or process, and sometimes we are even good at exploiting those gaps to help out our own cause. However most of the times we do not inventory the root cause. If we do, typically it is in a cynical approach in which we attack the cause instead of simply identifying it. The difference is simple identification is only a step to better the situation, a cynical approach helps us look better by exploiting the weaknesses or flaws, a very ego-centric approach.

Laying out a plan is difficult for most people because they are not willing to cope with, or admit that the plan may include improving themselves or to point out personal weaknesses. When the plan is laid out the follow through can be a bear. Take for instance an organization that must go through downsizing. Having a plan to cut peoples jobs that you know will largely affect the families is a tough decision that is not made lightly. But because you have the bigger picture of an organization at risk of bankruptcy the plan becomes easier to follow through.

Then doing a little risk assessment and seeing who or what will become a resistance to the follow through of the plan can be pain staking. This becomes one of those conversions of, if it needs to be done then it must get done.

In London the tube has the words, "Mind The Gap" on the ground in front of all the ledges. They understand that not paying attention to the gaps can be fatal. Organizations understand that if they do not mind the gap it can be fatal as well. The bigger question and the personal application is going through the same process for your own personal life. Lets try it.

Step 1
Take a minute and try to identify some gaps in your own life. If you are serious about this you may even ask some friends that are close to you or family members to give you honest feedback. Don’t try to disagree with it, remember perspective is reality in the minds of others!

Step 2
Write these down. Now begin to try and figure out the root causes, there maybe multiple root causes. If it is others perspective then start there. Ask, ‘How might others view me?’ and see why they feel that way.

Step 3
Now make these gaps initiatives to change yourself. Begin to lay out a plan on how you can change these attributes. Remember you can’t change others, but you can change yourself. Changing yourself changes others perceptions. Make the plan simple and goal oriented so that you can measure your progress. Asking someone to hold you accountable is a great way to continue progressing forward.

Step 4
Now identify any thing that can be a resistance to your success of fulfilling the initiative (s). What are the pitfalls that can stop forward continual progress. The only difference between a stepping stone and a stumbling block is the position of your foot. Identify what could be possible stumbling blocks and then figure out how to make sure it doesn’t trip you up but instead help you by being a stepping stone to the next level.

Step 5
Repeat, repeat, repeat. Every few months repeat this whole process. Getting into the habit of personal reflection, measurement and analysis can be on of the best habits to get into. Remember habits are easier to form than to break.

Be changed and different! Mind The Gap!

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Analize Vs. Criticize

I have a friend(s), and I am sure you do to... hopefully you are not that friend, who is very critical. This type of person looks at the negative in people and then feels the option to talk openly to me about all the flaws of that individual. When I meet with this person(s) I generally find myself looking for the opportunity to apply a different style approach to the perspective he is sharing. The great thing is this person(s) is open to listening, some person(s) aren't, don't be that friend that isn't open. The approach I apply is analyzing. So what is the difference? The difference is as big as it is small.


The largest concept that has taught me the most in life is learning to observe. It has become an art of mine. Here is a post from a while back of a conversation between me and a great friend of mine, RC.

RC: wow... dang dude... how'd you get so smart? like, I'm still shocked. for lack of a better term.
SM: lol, no idea
i dont see my self as smart as much as i would say i am an observer
learn to watch your world and learn from it
RC: ahhhh
SM: be experiential and allow everything to be a moment of Ahaa!
RC: I like that.

I would NEVER brag about being smart, however I would claim the skill of observing. You see, learning to observe is such a large part of my life that I put claim to the knowledge I have obtained as largely from the power of observation as much or more than study, reading and learning I have done over my lifetime. Now I would like to compare and contrast the difference between an analytical mindset and a critical mindset.

One comparison of the analytical vs. critical mindsets is - when we analyze we bring value to something, however a critical mindset tends to devalue and bring meaningless to something. See, when you are being critical of a person/system/program you begin to degrade it and reduce its value. One does this because their entire focus centers around the aspect of what doesn't work, what isn't great, etc... and almost always how they could do it better! So not only does this devalue someone/something it is also arrogant. This is not proper 'kaizen', a Japanese word for always understanding that you are doing the worst currently and there is a better way to do it for the sake of making small improvements to the whole for the better of all. Also 'hansei', which is a central idea in Japanese culture, meaning to acknowledge your own mistake and pledge improvement. Talk about the power of cultural language... to stop hansei means to stop learning altogether. This helps one to never become convinced of your own superiority so that you feel the openness to criticize others/systems/programs.

Analyzing is one of the main components of observation. Another comparison between the two is that observation creates self-worth in the one whom is observing because they are using the resources around them to view their world. They are not simply assuming nor asking someone else just to get a 'simple' answer, they are taking it upon themselves to observe what is the possible scenarios to analyze instead of assuming and criticizing. My dad use to always ask me if I assumed something wrong, "You know what happens when you assume?" I will not attempt to answer that question in the detail he would. However, I will say that flagrant assuming is asinine, but on the flip side there is power to assumption. In the world of observation I deduce the obvious to only a few relational options. How does the original attitude/act/scenario relate to the options? Then from there is where an act of common sense would be applied to our deduction, therefore not making a complete flagrant assumption, but instead a well-educated guess.

So how does this apply to how you observe a person/program/system? Maybe that boss isn't such an (insert explicative), maybe the program isn't the worst in the world, maybe the system isn't full of obvious flaws. Don't short-sight yourself for the sake of feeling mighty in criticism. You might want to read that previous line again. Criticism without corrective options is really inexcusable. So the boss/subordinate who has a bad attitude one day or never looks you in the eye, or whatever else "failure" he has in your eye, begin to see his/her strengths, focus on that. What would happen in your environment if you began to honor that person in their strength and then support them in their weakness. We tend to only see others weaknesses where we are strong. Take responsibility to the your own strength and be Aaron and Hur who held up Moses' arms as they were in battle. Just possibly you are gifted with strength exactly where your leaders is lacking in strength, just maybe that was not by accident, be responsible! Maybe he has unfair expectations, fine. Rise to those expectations and help him see the value in your reality instead of criticizing him and running your mouth to others to let them know how terrible of a leader he is. God knows he/she is in your life as your leader for a reason, what greater opportunity for you to learn and grow and develop your leadership skills. Don't ever take for granted the things that don't make sense, seem stupid or just meaningless!

Criticism without constructive corrective options is futile and unproductive!

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