How would you make a boat climb up a hill? Locks seem to be the obvious solution. But when 17 locks are needed to pass over a steep hill, even a big project is in danger. The obstacle becomes an almost impossible task, paralyzing the whole project.
During the construction of the Marne-Rhine Canal, connecting Paris and Germany, the biggest obstacle was the Pass of Saverne, in the Vosges mountains. For this pass alone, using the locks needed for the crossing would have taken more than a day for each boat. The 17 locks were making the project too slow and costly.
Facing this task, the engineers found an improbable solution, using an inclined plane, a small electrical engine, and gravity. A kind of an inclined elevator, but for boats, a cost-effective way to climb over a steep hill.
Sometimes to unblock a project, tackling the most difficult task first is better than starting with many smaller steps. Here are three reasons why you should take this hard effort upon yourself:
- Taking on the core problem creates a move forward
- Giving first makes others want to give back
- Volunteer for the hardest challenge to fuel the project
Taking on the core problem creates a move forward
When looking at a bigger project, one might start by splitting it into smaller pieces, and take them one by one. However, every project has some tasks which are far more difficult and critical than the others. It’s the kind of task which, if not done, would doom a project.
Sometimes, the team should tackle the core problem first. Otherwise, they will spend energy handling all the smaller parts of the project. Until the day they finally approach the core problem. The later this happens in the plan, the riskier the project becomes. So, go ahead and attack the biggest problem first. Do it yourself, and the team will follow.
Giving first makes others want to give back
A leader should take the bigger weight upon himself. If it’s communication, selling the solution, or a specific product feature, take it upon yourself. It doesn’t mean you should go alone, but to take responsibility for solving it. So show an example, but let others help you.
This creates a forward move in the project. Discussions about how to better handle the task will ensue. Keep driving and pushing, until solutions emerge. You and a small team taking the toughest task will motivate the rest of the team to take other tasks and advance.
Volunteer for the hardest challenge to fuel the project
- When the team has communication issues make an effort and speak to everyone.
- When sales don’t come through, help your colleagues, or make things easier for them.
- Lead profs of concept teams to unblock long-requested features.
- Build bridges inside or outside the team, with customers or business partners.
It’s easy to procrastinate and turn around the elephant in the room. That won’t help with the deadline. Gravity works on teams too, after a holiday or a slow sales period. Instead of going with the flow, break it.
If the project needs force or energy or plain motivation, show up and be the engine of the team. The team will come together, get on the track, and up to speed.
I don’t have the energy to be a volunteer!
Taking the garbage out. Helping the others install computer screens and updating their Windows. Preparing the presentation for the team, too busy with the project. These may not be difficult tasks, just annoying. You can learn how to volunteer by taking on tasks that no one wants to do. Step by step you will gain the confidence needed to attack the biggest problems.
When the task seems impossible, be the one to take action
- Taking on the core problem creates a move forward
- Giving first makes others want to give back
- Take the hardest challenge to fuel the project
How can the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane be so critical for the 314 kilometers long canal? Using locks, it took one day for 1 barge to pass over the 45 meters high and 4 kilometers long hill.
The hardest problems have sometimes simple solutions. Balanced counter-weighs and a small engine under the hill lift the boats using a caisson. Gravity makes it come down on the opposite side of the hill.
Using the inclined plane, 39 barges can pass every day over the hill, with an elegant and efficient lift. Solving the core problem first, then tackling all the smaller tasks and the logistics for your product can be a winning strategy.
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