Recently, I have been playing that annoying little computer game called ‘Candy Crush Saga’ – please don’t send me any Facebook requests relating to this, they will not be answered!
I have been working my way through the various levels – getting more difficult as I go. On several occasions, thinking I could continue to work through levels quickly, I have hit a level that is difficult to beat and end up spending a month in the same position before getting through it and moving on. Very frustrating!
As I’ve been attempting this game and make a move to work my way through, I often notice a better move that I could have made just that little bit too late. On other occasions, I make a move that has huge knock-on effects and gains me far more than I thought.
This can also be very true in our leadership and in our organisations. Sometimes you make a move and as you do you notice something else you could have done that would have been better for you and those around you. On other occasions, you do something or take a decision with a particular reason in mind – but that decision has far reaching effects that you never thought of – sometimes good, sometimes not!
I am not saying that you should put off taking decisions, and making moves, until everything has been considered and researched and all possible consequences have been thought of – often decisions must be made with limited information. However, we can make decisions with our eyes wide open, looking for other possibilities to consider that may be more beneficial and changing decisions if possible, and we should also look at all of the ripples to see the effect of our decision.
We will make good moves at times – and not so good at others. We will see some decisions failing to have the impact we were looking for, while others will have much bigger impact. What we must do is consider the effect of the decisions we make on our organisation and on individuals. As we d,o we ask ourselves the question – am I making the right move? If you are, that’s great. If not, don’t be afraid to admit it and either reverse it or change it.