The story is told of a woman who brought home a leg of ham and was preparing it for Christmas Dinner. She proceeded to cut it in half before placing it in the oven to cook it. Her husband, watching on, asked, “Why do you cut it in half? Is that so it cooks better in the middle?” His wife paused a moment and then answered, “I don’t really know. That’s just what I’ve always done. I saw my mother doing that when I was a girl”. Later, the in-laws arrived for Christmas dinner, and the question was brought up: “Mum – why did you cut the leg of ham in half before placing it in the oven to cook?” “I don’t really know,” her mother replied. “Your grandma used to do that – so it’s just something I’ve always done – there must be a reason for it!” Later, the family all travelled to Grandma’s house to share Christmas tea. During a lull in the conversation, the wife asked her grandmother, “Grandma, why did you teach Mum to cut the leg of ham in half before cooking it?” “Well, “replied the grandmother, “when your mother was a girl, my oven was very small, and I couldn’t fit the whole leg in without cutting it in half.”
This story is an interesting example of not understanding “why” things are being done the way that they are – and instead – falling into the “that’s the way we’ve always done it” mentality.
As we step into the 2nd half of the first month of 2024, I’m curious if you have taken the time to analyze why you do things the way you do. If your expectation is to do bigger and better this year, what behaviours are you going to change?
The beauty of coaching is that through powerful conversations, I see clients “mixing it up,” stepping out of their comfort zone and trying new and different to reach bigger and better. Everyone’s stretching for something unique, and coaching affords a customized plan of attack.
Looking forward to another year of supporting the clients I have the honour of serving as they approach their upcoming year with renewed energy and strategies!!
If you haven’t yet established your growth goals for yourself, your team or your organization, please reach out. It just may be time for you to try something different.
Commentaires