The candles keep coming back. Our friend took an even deeper breath and once again attempted to blow out the candles on his birthday cake. But to no avail. Within moments, all candles were burning brightly in front of him. Yet another effort produced the same result.
How many times must the same path be traveled until it is recognized that perhaps things just aren’t working as illustrated by the following examples?
* Vendor contracts that are not reviewed timely and thoroughly prior to the time of renewal frequently result in higher than expected costs.
* A lack of attention to receivable management resulting in regular and significant write offs.
* The generation of monthly financial reports well after month-end that provide “autopsy” information after the “cow is out of the barn.”
* A mindset that wonders whether a non-profit can make a profit.
* A lack of focus on determining and tracking key performance indicators on a timely basis.
* A heavy reliance upon contributions and investment income to shore up losses from operations.
* A heavy reliance upon a steady and consistent housing market to generate sales of re-occupancy entrance fees for the payment of high percentage refunds offered by many Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
Operational issues illustrated by the above examples can often keep resurfacing resulting in a crisis mode mind set and manner of operations. But rather than continuing to “hit one’s head against the wall” and expecting a different result – there are times to step back and to seek to look at an issue with fresh eyes and a different perspective.
My wife had provided the candles for the birthday cake. She strongly stated that she unintentionally selected a group of trick candles that could not be blown out. If our friend would have continued to take deep breaths while attempting to blow out the candles, he would have had no hope of being successful and his efforts would have been futile.
Perhaps you are facing a recurring and repetitive issue where it is time to step back and determine whether a change in mindset and behavior should occur. Perhaps it could be as simple as using real candles!!!