Problems generally don’t age well. Over time, the underlying issues associated with them often get worse, sometimes reaching catastrophic proportions. Yet, many problems go unaddressed by leaders until just before the volcano is ready to blow. By that time, there is little to do but control for the damages and limit the casualties.
Re: Different metaphor. Years ago, I attended a talk by Morgan McCall. His talk was about Executive Derailment and he used the term "Slippery Slope". That is, it's easy at first to do something that goes against your values, just a little white lie, a little slip here or there. But pretty soon you find yourself making cuts that get you quickly too far down the slope and unable to recover. Not exactly the same as the 'gradualism' but maybe similar enough. The point I think is not to rest of your laurels and get too comfortable.
Went looking for a better metaphor for gradualism than "boiling the frog" only because it has been myth-busted multiple times. I agree that it doesn't really matter that the adage isn't true, it just serves as a good mental picture.
But it flipped me into thinking how we might flip the script on gradualism. Adopting or eliminating habits is sometimes a challenge and maybe we need to think of gradualism as a helpful methodology for either side of the habit question.
Anyway, best I could locate on short notice for gradualism... perhaps eroding dams?
So true. It is remarkable how we as leaders can be oblivious to the red flags around us. Or in this case, the boiling water.
Re: Different metaphor. Years ago, I attended a talk by Morgan McCall. His talk was about Executive Derailment and he used the term "Slippery Slope". That is, it's easy at first to do something that goes against your values, just a little white lie, a little slip here or there. But pretty soon you find yourself making cuts that get you quickly too far down the slope and unable to recover. Not exactly the same as the 'gradualism' but maybe similar enough. The point I think is not to rest of your laurels and get too comfortable.
Went looking for a better metaphor for gradualism than "boiling the frog" only because it has been myth-busted multiple times. I agree that it doesn't really matter that the adage isn't true, it just serves as a good mental picture.
But it flipped me into thinking how we might flip the script on gradualism. Adopting or eliminating habits is sometimes a challenge and maybe we need to think of gradualism as a helpful methodology for either side of the habit question.
Anyway, best I could locate on short notice for gradualism... perhaps eroding dams?