The Loop of Doom

Sounds like a cool, new roller-coaster ride! Or at least that special part of the ride where every passenger's screams pitch in horror and delight. Not too long ago, I would travel to neighboring amusement parks in search such thrills. It is one of the few (and perhaps only) places where going up, down and all around, is welcomed and expected. How about at work? According to the latest chapter in Good to Great, there are two types of "loops". No, Fruit Loops(R) isn't one of them.

Although we can all attest that there are some in every workplace. These "loops" I speak of are the "Flywheel" and the "Doom Loop". I have chosen to focus this entry on the Doom Loop for two reasons:
1) It sounds cool
2) I can relate to it

I'll talk about the "Flywheel" next time. After all, its almost self-explanatory and "goody-goody".

Doom! Sounds like something worth reading and writing about.
Anyone know Dr. Doom?

Those who may not know him will wonder if he spent 8 years in Doom school.

Interesting thing about this loop, it's almost like the chicken and the egg dilemma. Not sure which one comes first, and you can almost start anywhere and lead to the next thing.

• New Direction, program, leader, event, fad or acquisition (ex: suddenly 6sigma)
• No buildup, no accumulated momentum (demotivation from the reality of things)
• Disappointing Results (no?)
• Reaction, without understanding (normal human response - along with denial)

A Doom Loop designed for headaches

Funny how like it's similar to how a reactive person would live their life. Using technique or fad to try to further themselves in life or carrier. Fail, disappointment and then go into denial or defensiveness. Which would lead to poor results, and then "try again" instead of trying to re-build oneself from the inside-out. But that would take actual effort and time.

I suppose it's the path of least resistance. It is always easier to slap a new coat of paint on a house or wax the car before a sale. But what about the stuff under the surface? I may sound sarcastic by saying this, but most of us do not have time for that. Individual people nor corporations. Flying by the seat of our pants gives us the "thrills" we seek. Usually ending in headaches. If... if we only did do "1st things 1st" as in the 3rd Habit (see my post on that here) we would set the time aside to build ourselves up and avoid headaches.

In addition to the awesome adrenaline rush, there is something amazing about a mechanical system designed solely for that purpose.

A Loop Of Doom designed for Fun! :-D

In my next entry, I will end "Good to Great" with the Flywheel and a summary of the book.
In the entries to follow, I may actually start going in a completely different direction. Maybe even put this blog on "hold" and focus on the "common thread" behind personal leadership, health and our legacies. I know it sounds deep, but the truth is that it is all linked together and there is a balance in life that shouldn't be ignored. All I can say is "stay tuned". :-)