In response to an alarming number of helicopter crashes, the U.S. Army once built a helicopter with two engines. In theory, this backup engine would reduce the number of crashes. If one engine went out, the pilot could simply turn the other engine on.
In practice, however, the dual-engine choppers actually had more serious accidents than single-engine versions. It turned out that having the option of engaging the second engine was diverting the pilots’ attention from the immediate challenge - landing safely. At the first sign of an engine malfunction, the pilots were taking their focus off flying the aircraft as they attempted to switch between engines. The second engine proved to be a dangerous distraction rather than a helpful option.
Performance Principle: In a crisis, too many options can cause paralysis. When coaching individuals who have an immediate problem, help them to pick one strategy that they will stick to for the short term. This keeps them focused and gets them working toward a solution. Later, the strategy can be modified or even abandoned. But often, people need to work rather than think their way out of trouble.
A question: Do you have people who are paralyzed by too many potential solutions to a pressing problem? If so, how can you help them to choose and stick to one strategy that will get them moving forward?
Eric has 18 years of experience in recruiting, coaching, and motivating business people. Previous to founding his firm Clarius, Eric was an executive recruiter, working with Fortune 500 and mid-market companies to identify and recruit CFOs, Controllers and financial staff for their organizations.
