Last week, during a casual conversation, a friend of mine—Managing Director at a large healthcare and wellness business—asked me a question that hit home:
“What’s the best way to stop a business from getting stuck?”
We’ve all been there. That moment when progress stalls, creativity dries up, or the path ahead feels unclear. Stagnation isn’t just a business issue; it’s deeply personal.
I shared what I often tell our partners and clients:
“It’s not about finding the perfect strategy. It’s about avoiding the obvious traps.”
Then, I introduced her to one of my favorite exercises from our Innovation Labs & Hackathons: Reverse Thinking.
“Most businesses—and leaders—get stuck because they’re asking the wrong question,” I explained.
“Instead of asking, ‘How do we succeed?’, flip the question: ‘What would absolutely guarantee I fail?’
When you map out the habits, decisions, and blind spots that lead to failure, the path forward becomes clear, just do the opposite.”
Here are three common traps I see businesses and leaders fall into:
1. Chasing every shiny trend.
(They overload resources and dilute focus.)
Flip it: Simplify. Focus on fewer priorities and execute them exceptionally well.
2. Avoiding difficult conversations.
(Small misalignments lead to big problems.)
Flip it: Address challenges head-on with clarity and empathy. Build trust by leaning into discomfort.
3. Holding onto rigid mindsets.
(Stagnation happens when you stop questioning the way things are.)
Flip it: Challenge assumptions, embrace new perspectives, and stay relentlessly curious.
By the end of our conversation, my friend didn’t walk away with the perfect strategy—but they gained clarity.
My Challenge to You:
Stop searching for flawless solutions. Instead, ask yourself:
“What would guarantee I fail?”
Write it down. Face it. Then flip it.
Comment “𝐅𝐋𝐈𝐏” below, and I’ll share a template to help you run this exercise with your team as you prepare for 2025.
Because success isn’t about perfection—it’s about clarity. And sometimes, the fastest way forward is knowing exactly what not to do.
