Lectures on Entrepreneurship, by Johnny Monsarrat: #9. Don't Get Out of the Trojan Horse Until It's in the Castle -- Johnny Monsarrat Lectures

<< Prev | Most Recent | Next >>

When there's a crisis, the worst thing you can do is to shout fire. That's getting out of the Trojan horse before it enters the castle.

When you get upset, bang your fist on the table, and write 10-page emails, people start to tune you out. You may be right, and you may be wrong, but right now they just don't want to deal with you.

You may see the crisis, and it may be obvious, but for the moment, they do not see it. So first, before suggesting any solutions &#151 it's way to early for that -- get agreement that a problem exists. This is usually the important part of resolving the problem and solutions will pop up spontaneously after agreement is reached.

If there are a number of problems at once, you'll have to prioritize them and take 'em one at a time. People may not have the attention or free time to tackle all your problems at once. By slinging a dozen problems at them, you muddy the water, and make everything more confusing. Stick to one thing, even if it's painful to let those fires burn.

This is necessary because without patience and without building support, you will not overcome the natural barrier of resistance and people will start to lampoon you for championing every cause on Earth.

Click next or prev for more Johnny Monsarrat Lectures.

<< Prev | Most Recent | Next >>