Power of the Puzzlebox

Wednesday Wander
7/27/2016
Post #199

When your parents asked you to complete a chore, whether it be regular or additional duty, at some point you asked why you had to do it. We've all been there, perhaps you've been asked for the purpose behind a task. Often we communicate the necessity of doing certain actions and tasks without a solid rhyme or reason. Understanding comes with explanations of purpose, and with understanding comes greater effort.

This is more about a leadership principle than a personal lesson, however it can help you sort out your tasks and why you do them. Now that I'm thinking about this, you should ask yourself "why" as much as a seven year-old would ask you the same question. Why? By asking yourself why, you then provide yourself a reason which adds logic to your decision, if the logic isn't there then the foundation of your decision is faulty.

Let's dive into an analogy, shall we?

So imagine, you're at a game night with four or five other people and for some odd reason they decide to put together some 10,000-piece puzzle. Why did we decide this? Well there's no cover to the puzzle box and we like meaningless challenges, perhaps masochists or is that too strong a word? Someone hands you this corner piece and asks you to start putting your corner together. At first you may be glad to do so, but you don't even know what this puzzle is or what it's going to be, and even more frustrating you don't know what you're working on. Finally, another assembler of the puzzle finds the cover with the picture, it's a delightful picture of Labrador puppies on a well-manicured lawn with a beautiful blue sky.

What does this puzzle cover represent? It's the BIG PICTURE. I'll wait right here while you let that sink in, go on, they're waiting at the door. Okay, are you good?

By seeing the big picture you can see where you plug into the scheme of the operation and the overall plan. By knowing how you fit as part of the team's project, then you may or may not be comfortable with your task or position but at least you know what is required of you for the team to succeed. Your part goes into your purpose, and the overall purpose of the project.

If you hold the box, show your team the big vision or the puzzle box, they'll understand what you envision and where it's going, plus it gives them a solid "why" for their wondering minds. If you're on the team, slaving away assembling that green grass and yellow lab paw, don't be afraid to ask what in the hell you're putting together. Look at the big picture, but keep your focus on the details and the task at hand.