Last month, we addressed the First Law of Holes: “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging,” as elucidated by Will Rogers. We discussed the application of this advice to public service.
In this column, we will examine the Second Law of Holes: “Recognize that when you stop digging, you are still in a hole.” – Unknown. With assistance from Samuel Clemens a/k/a Mark Twain, here are some thoughts on what to do when you find yourself in a hole. Hopefully, these will help, whether you dug the hole or inherited it, like the potholes or faulty policies left by your predecessor.
STOP AND THINK: “If we were meant to talk more than listen, we would have two mouths and one ear.” – Mark Twain. Upon realizing that you are in a hole, recognize the difficult situation and stop digging. Once the hole has been identified, resist the temptation to minimize the situation or blame others for it. Until you have developed a plan for the situation, limit discussions about it to obtaining further information and options.
ANALYZE AND STUDY: “Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions.” – Mark Twain. Similar to the advice from Will Rogers and others, do not spend time agonizing over the digging of the hole. We all find ourselves in these situations; your hole is not unique. Assess the problem objectively to determine its root causes. Seek advice or assistance from others who may have solutions, not sympathy. Develop a plan for a positive resolution of the situation.
CLIMB TO OVERCOME: “Success is a journey, not a destination. It requires constant effort, vigilance, and re-evaluation.” – Mark Twain. Change your approach or strategy instead of repeating ineffective actions. Repeating the same mistakes will not bring different results. When your plan has been developed, take decisive action to resolve the issue rather than procrastinating. Climbing from a hole requires a beginning. “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection” – Mark Twain.
REMEMBER AND ACKNOWLEDGE: “Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.” – Mark Twain. Learn from the experience of overcoming this hole to prevent similar situations in the future. Help others avoid these holes. “To be great, truly great, you have to be the kind of person who makes the others around you great.” – Mark Twain