The false choice in operations

@mpspradlin|June 14, 2023 (553 days ago)

In a lot of conversations I've had at work, there is often a problem presented: we can either do a or b. But, over the long arc of what needs to get done, it can never really be either/or. There are times for "a or b." There are more scenarios where "a and b" are essential.

The opposition of two seemingly good things is not a permanent choice, but a state of uncertainty a team can enter in that moment in time. Should we be this or that?

• Authoritative vs. Consultative
• Higher Volume vs. Higher Quality
• Foundation building vs. Path seeking
• Expansion vs. Contraction/Simplification

Imagine a consultant's two-by-two matrix. The implication of that two-by-two is always: pick a spot on the map, make a definitive choice. This is almost always a false choice, and the long term requires flexibility. Even if you're going to work on a, don't forget b.