Not thinking in problems but in solutions

One of the first beautiful spring days of the year in fantastic surroundings. A relationship day at the Rosendael Golf Club. I was a little too early.
'A few of our team are already sitting outside,' Catrien said.
Cartrien invited me. I know her from Vienna where we worked together for a large leasing company. I sat down next to someone who was still emailing.
'This really is a morning to turn everything off for a while,' I said smiling and introduced myself.
'Yes, you're right ... I'm Erik and I'll be so really sociable again but this really needs to get done,' he said.
I get my coffee and Erik puts his phone down.
'And now ... rest,' he says.

Introducing

'How do you know Catrien?' I ask.
'I am general manager of a company operating in the offshore wind industry. We are one of the biggest suppliers. And that's how I know Catrien. She is, in fact, investing with her company in a project in the North Sea.'
'Exciting sector. A lot of scaling up in a short time. That's right, isn't it?" I ask.
'Yes, interesting that you know that. We are indeed running into many challenges. Increase in scale is one of them, and in a short time. But there are many more hear,' he says.
He makes preparations to stand up.
'Let's get our stuff, because we are going to start in 15 minutes,' Erik says.
Walking to the driving range, we quickly exchange some experiences.
'Lots of similarities, nice. Let's talk more after the match.'
'And now relax and focus Erik. We do have to win,' I say laughing.

Taking the right path

After 18 fantastically beautiful holes.
'So, not played well but learned a lot,' I say cheerfully to Erik.
The others go to shower and change, I suggest we sit outside for a drink and continue where we left off. 'Good idea,' Erik says.
We were talking about the many challenges. One of the reasons I had to send some emails this morning. Tomorrow we have an important management team meeting about that.
'About the challenges or about the solutions?' I ask.
'Yes, you hit the nail on the head there. Right question. I struggle with that and that's what my e-mails were about. We have very bright minds on the team. Super motivated. But they are able to come up with new problems almost daily. Good analysis and rightly so, we also have to proceed cautiously. But I want to move forward. I have analyzed the problem enough. Now I want to see and hear solutions. To take the right path.

From theory to practice

'But then is the strategy clear, do they know where you need to go? That's often where the bottleneck is,' I say.
'Good observation. Our parent company recently engaged a well-known international consultancy to review the strategy. They did a good job. The objective is clear. But now it's our turn. Now we have to put that strategy and plans into practice. And that's where the shoe pinches. We need to stop thinking in terms of problems and start thinking in terms of solutions that we can implement and convert. But they are not coming. Is it fear? Is it lack of perspective after all? I just don't know.
Catrien and the fresh-looking team members join us at the table.
'Can you give me a call tomorrow?' asks Erik.
'Will do, but now we have to take a quick shower ourselves anyway or Catrien will never invite us back.'

Bounce & Steer in Brief

'Bounce & Steer is an approach developed by Jan Hein Bax himself. Leaders know in most cases where they want to go strategically with their organization. Yet they often run into something. Day-to-day operational matters generally run smoothly. What is missing, however, is the tactical part. The part that ensures that the strategy is translated into clear choices and targeted actions to achieve the strategic goals.

Based on my Bounce & Steer methodology, I ensure movement in the right direction. Will we implement the very things that ensure progress and growth. Are you an owner, CEO or shareholder and do you want to stop thinking in problems and start thinking in solutions? Then contact me.