Curve Ball Index

I love it when things go along at a predictable pace. Not too much work, not too little; projects that are challenging, but too much so; information that takes some problem solving, but not straining effort. Basically, I like to be comfortable. Nothing earth-shattering about that.

The problem with that mentality is that it assumes that anything can ever be truly comfortable. No matter what, the pasture will always be greener, there's always that one issue, that one project we're waiting on to end, that one pending catastrophe that looms out there. Its the curve balls we get thrown in most areas of life, including in our roles as Managers, that trouble us.

I like to call our ability to respond to these issues our CBI (Curve Ball Index). Do we expect it, do we anticipate it, or do we get angry, frustrated, and fearful when they head our way? Depending on the situation, I'm probably higher and lower at times, but I'm never fully ok with the unexpected shake-ups.

I think the simple thing we can do is accept that this is a reality we all face, and allow ourselves to embrace it the more we are confronted with it. This isn't something we can manufacture, but it is something we can allow to shape each of us the longer we Manage and the longer we learn.

Accept the curves.