As we experience our first bushfires of the season in the Blue Mountains, I think there’s a good analogy between the practices above and how managers behave.
Hazard reduction is the practice of burning, clearing and other practices done in advance of the fire season with the aim of reducing the impact of any future fires. Back burning is when a fire is lit deliberately in the path of a bushfire with the aim of reducing the fuel load and slowing or stopping the progress of the fire. Spot fires happen when a fire is underway and embers get carried into unburnt areas.
“I’m always putting out fires!” is a common complaint from managers. I’m sure you’ve heard it before.
What if we use the bushfire analogy to avoid those management ‘fires’?
1. Hazard reduction
2. Backburning
3. Putting out spot fires
Of course, just as with bushfires there are no guarantees but perhaps it’s time to ask:
What would you rather be doing?
Susan Rochester has been managing director of Balance at Work since 2006. Susan has a natural tendency to balance analytical thinking with an optimistic outlook to set direction and solve problems. She is an effective facilitator and constantly creates new and more effective ways of doing things, motivated by helping others to achieve their goals.