Tab A into Slot B

"This makes absolutely no sense!"

I dropped the screwdriver onto the living room rug and stared at the pile of wooden boards, screws, nuts and a crumpled instruction booklet. 

My wife, JoMarie, walked into the room.

"How is the new bookshelf coming along?" she asked with a slight smile.

“I am totally frustrated!  Tab A does not fit into Slot B."

"Did you look at the instructions?"

"I don't need the instructions. It should be obvious."

JoMarie sat down, picked up the crumpled paper instruction booklet, and pointed to step three.

"You have the side panels upside down," she said softly.

I looked at the boards. I looked at the paper. I looked at my wife.

She was right. She is always right.

How many times do we approach a problem at work or at home convinced that we have all the answers?  When we think we have all the answers and want to keep everything in our control -

• We force the pieces together.

• We ignore the guidance of others.

• We get frustrated when things don't fit our preconceived notions.

• Humility is thrown out the door

And then, we blame the pieces. Anything except ourselves.

Problem resolution starts with taking a step back.

• Put down the screwdriver.

• Take a deep breath.

• Listen to a different perspective.

• Read the instructions.

• Admit when you have the side panels upside down.

Our greatest breakthroughs often come when we stop insisting on our own way, open our minds to the possibilities, and move forward. Always move forward.

Tab A into Slot B

Until Next Friday,

Rob