Have you ever taught a monkey to juggle? No? Me either. That might be why we have trouble completing projects, even when they seem to be on track.
Over the years, I have been told that a project was on track, only to learn later that it was not completed on time and, in some cases, was not completed at all. How does this happen? Why would a conscientious and high-integrity leader tell me that we were nearly done with a project when we weren’t? It’s because, frequently, the leader failed to consider the “juggling monkey.”
The juggling monkey is a concept often attributed to Astro Teller, a computer scientist who leads many of Google’s most ambitious initiatives, such as self-driving cars and other complex projects. I’ll try to describe his juggling monkey concept.
Imagine having a great idea that you believe will be a sure money-maker. You are going to set a monkey on a pedestal in a local park and charge people to watch the monkey juggle. You are confident this will be successful.
To get started, you identify 12 steps that must be completed to begin your new business. On the list are such items as finding a suitable park, getting the necessary permits, buying materials for the pedestal, building the pedestal, acquiring a monkey, etc. You finish 11 of the steps, so it’s safe to conclude you’re more than 90% done, right? Maybe not, especially if the incomplete step requires teaching the monkey to juggle; that could take awhile.
The idea is that we get the easy steps done first and think we are making progress when the most important step — and often the most time-consuming — is saved for last or near the end of the project. This creates a false sense of security that can result in missed deadlines and commitments. We may even find that the most important step cannot be completed, which means doing all the easy ones first was a waste of time.
The execution of strategic plans are particularly susceptible to the juggling-monkey effect because they are normally completed over several years. The team will think they are making fast progress toward their goal because they are checking off the strategic plan steps. Then the strategic plan ends, and the team celebrates completing 90% of the steps. The problem is that what didn’t get done is what really mattered — the juggling monkey — and the team does not get close to reaching the big goals. That’s why each of our Correct Craft teams must identify their juggling monkeys when developing strategic plans. We want to be focused on the right things.
Identifying your juggling monkeys and ensuring that they are adequately addressed will go a long way toward helping you successfully complete your strategic plan and other projects. However, there may be an even more powerful way to apply the concept of juggling monkeys — in your personal life. I believe the No. 1 thing that holds people back from achieving their potential is how they think, and if that is true, it makes mindset the juggling monkey of personal success. Our Correct Craft team often discusses the importance of mindset.
Here are a few things about mindset — your juggling monkey — to get right if you want personal success.
Be a learner Many people have heard me talk about being a learner over the years, and their first thought is that it requires consuming more information. Reading, taking classes, listening to podcasts, etc., are important, but they are only a small part of being a learner. Being a learner is not about how much knowledge you take in — though more is obviously better — it is about how you process what you take in. Most people are “knowers,” which means they take in information to validate what they already think. A learner — and this is important — absorbs information hoping to have their mind changed, or at least to see things in a new way. Having a mindset that embraces this learner mentality is life-changing.
Expect a lot of yourself Most people, including me, only achieve a small bit of their potential. Unfortunately, many are unwilling to push themselves enough to get close to their true potential. A key to personal success is thinking big and then taking the necessary actions to achieve your big goals. If coming home each evening to watch television or spending the weekend on a couch seems like a great way to spend your time, that’s a fine choice, but don’t expect to accomplish anything big. Set huge goals and expect yourself to do whatever is necessary to achieve them.
See opportunity in everything We all encounter challenges, sometimes daily. Most people see challenges and turn away, viewing them as obstacles they cannot manage. Others have a mindset that helps them see each challenge as a unique opportunity from which most people will run. Rooted in stoic thinking, our team often says, “The obstacle is the way.” Successful folks see challenges as an opportunity to achieve something others cannot.
Think positive Martin Seligman, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, is probably the world’s foremost researcher and authority on having a positive mindset. His research documents the benefits of thinking optimistically, most notably in his excellent book Learned Optimism. Sometimes people downplay a positive mindset, arguing that it ignores reality, but that’s not true. Someone with a positive mindset sees things as they are; those without a positive mindset often see things worse than they are, driven by insecurity or fear.
Devalue busyness One of our foundational beliefs at Correct Craft is, “results > activity.” Many people get their self-worth or personal identity from being busy, but that is a destructive mindset. Being busy may make us feel important, but it reveals very little other than that we have challenges managing our time. Busyness does not matter; results do.
Chase impact, not rewards A career mindset that focuses on chasing rewards is destructive. Another of our team’s foundational beliefs is, “impact > rewards.” The interesting part of this mindset is that organizations want to recruit, reward and retain people who focus on impact. So people chasing impact actually get bigger rewards.
Understanding and embracing the importance of juggling monkeys can be life changing. It helps you focus on what’s important, whether it is a project or your personal career.
Bill Yeargin is president and CEO of Correct Craft and the author of six books, including the best seller Education of a CEO.
