Pardon the Dust

It seemed like it was under construction for more than a year. It probably was, now that I think about it. Orange barrels, detours, and lane blockages were the norm. There were plenty of days when I drove that stretch of road and said out loud, “When are they going to finish this s$&^???”

I’m sure you can think of a few spots in your town that have been “under construction” forever. Maybe it’s a freeway extension, an off-ramp, a new bridge, or one of those traffic circles that seem to confuse everyone.

And then, suddenly, it’s done and everything works perfectly. One day it’s orange barrels and slow traffic, and the next it’s smooth sailing. That was me this weekend. The project has been finished for a few weeks, but on my quiet Sunday morning drive to the golf course, it really hit me. All lanes were open. The barrels were gone. No directional arrows. No traffic. Just a wide-open road.

Once the new system is built, implemented, and practiced, it becomes second nature. There’s no need to think about what’s happening because the system is working exactly the way it should.

Pardon Your Dust?

What systems have you been delaying? What tools or ideas could help clear a few traffic jams in your business before the new year begins? Would now be a smart time to put new concepts in motion so January feels smooth and open instead of congested?

Dealing with orange barrels, detours, and construction zones isn’t fun, but there’s always a reason the project began.

Plan the systems, build the systems, implement the systems, and practice the systems.

Before long, you’ll be on cruise control.