Noise and…Easy does it even…

Noise and…Signal issues

In almost all forms of electronics the term noise-to-signal-ratio is used to identify unwanted “noise” like static, from the desired signal. Too much noise and the real signal can’t get through.

In our world that term also has meaning – although it’s a different kind of noise that’s the problem. For us it’s those distractions that cause us to drift from the actual task we ought to be addressing.

The trick is to recognize the difference. But it’s a challenge because the noise can be louder than the thing, we had set out to do (or should have been doing). Take the day that starts out with the intention of making a presentation to the laundry manager of your biggest nursing care customer.

You’re got a great presentation that’s the result of a really thorough survey (and a lot of work). But as you’re about to get out of the car, there’s a call from a customer across town with an emergency.

So, which is the noise, and which is the signal? It could be either one. If that emergency is your biggest customer and they’re out of commission they’re probably the signal and are first in line.

But if it’s a spotted glass issue, probably not. Our job is to be attuned to the two possibilities and then make a conscious decision that’s based on facts and not the level of the noise.

Next up: Small hustles versus the big deal.

 

Easy does it even…when it’s not easy

The old saw about the wisdom of measuring twice and cutting once has implications that go well beyond woodworking. In fact it’s perhaps more valid in our business relationships than it ever was on the subject of carpentry.

Cutting a piece of wood an inch too short might result in wasting that one board. But if we pull the trigger without really thinking through the implications in that strained customer situation, we might suffer a loss that’s not fixable anytime soon, or maybe forever.

The same goes for our interactions with associates. The mistake that person has made more than once might justify venting our frustration, but if we really let er rip, we might regret that emotional release sooner than later.

One mark of great managers and those who successfully maintain personal relationships over the long haul is that they’re measured in their reaction to those really irritating challenges.

They take the time to absorb and evaluate the situation and they restrain the instinct to act abruptly. If we can emulate that even keeled attitude in our relationships with customers, associates and yes, especially our families, life will be better and our regrets probably fewer.