ARTICLE | June 26, 2024
Business owners often neglect focusing on the one thing that can make them successful. The seminal work of Charles Hummel called this the Tyranny of the Urgent. Rather than focusing on what is critical, the focus shifts to that squeaky wheel. To further illustrate this, we authored a parable about a farmer.
Once, there was a gardener who had a sprawling garden full of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, but the most important plant in his garden was the prize-winning tomato plant. One spring day, the gardener noticed some weeds starting to spread, so he had them pulled. The following day, he noticed some insects feeding on the plant’s leaves, so he exterminated them. After dealing with the insects, he realized the strawberry plant was overcrowding the carrots and he quickly rushed to reorganize the plant boundaries. After weeks of impromptu problem solving and putting out fires, it came time for harvest. The gardener was shocked to find his prize-winning tomato plant dead. He forgot to water it. This is a common occurrence in the fields of business.
Do you engage in more troubleshooting than value creation? Do you know where to focus? Keep the main thing the main thing and contact KHA Strategic Consultants. Through our Dynamic Business Advisory program, KHA advisors focus business leaders on what is most important. Stop solving everything and start solving the right thing. Reach out to KHA today!