HOWE Q. WALLACE BLOG

PROBLEMS DON’T AGE WELL

One quote I repeat often is by Jamie Dimon, the CEO ofΒ JPMorgan Chase, who says, β€œProblems don’t age well.”

When I heard it, I took it to mean that if something is bothering me or I see a problem, I need to form a plan to address it sooner rather than later. Because if I don’t, it won’t go away and will only get worse.

Dealing promptly with an issue is not an invitation to be impulsive. Not every problem has easy solutions.

But dealing with a problem does call for courage. Most problems are attached to people in some fashion. Addressing them can carry the β€œbaggage” of defensiveness, change resistance, and plain old hurt feelings. It takes courage to wade into such conversations. But to hold back only delays the pain.

But if you are:

  • Purposeful in your approach
  • Define the problem clearly
  • Put the facts on the table
  • Work to resolve it intently
  • Maintain a style of communication and respect

You can nip minor problems before they become major ones.