We live in an amazing time, when you think about it. Often we don’t even have to do the thinking that our parents and grandparents did – we have technology that performs complicated tasks and saves us plenty of precious time.
But the one thing that no machine can do is use its common sense – a skill that eludes many as they look for complex solutions to simple problems. A lack of common sense can even create challenges that are greater than the original issue.
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One of my favorite dumb jock stories illustrates this sad lack of common sense.
A football team, nursing a narrow lead, took possession on its own 3-yard line. The coach sent his young quarterback in with instructions to “run play 22-E three times, then punt … no matter what happens.”
The quarterback called play 22 and miraculously it gained 45 yards. He called it again and gained three yards. On the third play it gained 47 yards. With the ball on the opponent’s 2-yard line, first down and goal to go, the quarterback called for a punt.
After the punter had kicked the ball virtually out of the stadium, the coach grabbed the quarterback as he came off the field.
“Just what was going through your mind on that last play? First and goal from the 2 and you call for a punt?” the coach shouted.
“What was going through my mind,” answered the player, “was, ‘Man, have we ever got a dumb coach.’ ”
Inventor Thomas Edison said: “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.” The quarterback had the first two down, but in the end, it was the common sense that failed him.
It’s the same in business. I’m a big fan of consultants, and I consider a good consultant a great investment in my business. I’m particularly impressed with consultants who can look me in the eye and tell me that the answer to my business dilemma doesn’t necessarily require expensive new machinery or a fancy building, just using what we have more wisely: a common-sense approach.
Do not, however, forget the “consultants” you already employ. The good old-fashioned suggestion box can be the source of sensible solutions that are so simple you can’t believe you didn’t think of them yourself.
A big-city museum that was visited by millions of visitors each year was about to hire an expensive management consulting firm to determine which of its many exhibits were the most popular with visitors. But just before a contract was signed for the study, an employee suggested asking the janitor where he had to mop the most … where he found the most traffic. In short, all it took was common sense.
Sometimes, the heat of the moment affects our common sense.
In 1787, a resolution was introduced into the Continental Congress to limit the size of the Continental Army to 10,000 men. The resolution seemed well on its way to passage by Congress, which feared a large army might overpower the small government. That is, until George Washington was heard to say, “A very good idea. Let us also limit by law the size of any invading force to 5,000 men.”
The resolution was quickly defeated.
How many times have you known what you needed to do, but refused to trust your instinct? That was your common sense talking – listen to it!
No one will ever accuse me of being a chef, but I stumbled across what looks like a good recipe for a successful leader. You’ll note that the icing on the cake is – what else? – common sense.
•4 cups of intelligence
•1 1/2 cups of responsibility
•2 cups of open-mindedness
•1 quart of understanding
•1 1/2 teaspoons of judgment
•1 3/4 cups of sifted positive attitude
•3 cups of ambition
• 2 cups of unbeaten patience
•1 cup of tactfulness
• 4 cups of ability
Have all ingredients at body temperature. Sift intelligence, ambition and understanding together. Mix in cooperation, initiative and open-mindedness until dissolved. Gradually add ability, tactfulness and responsibility. Stir in positive attitude and judgment. Add patience and blend all ingredients well. Sprinkle liberally with cheerfulness and bake in oven of determination. Cool completely and spread with kindness and common sense.
Mackay’s Moral: Money can buy a lot of things except common sense, which is free.
Harvey Mackay is author of The New York Times best seller “Pushing the Envelope.” He can be reached through his Web site, www.mackay.com, or at Mackay Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St., Minneapolis, MN 55414.
