London Bridge

What nursery rhymes can teach us about being solution-oriented.

Nursery rhyme songs play in our house most mornings before breakfast. Probably not uncommon given the age of my girls. But recently I found myself listening closely to the lyrics of London Bridge as it played.

The version that played through our Alexa device was a call-and-response version of London Bridge in which Singer A offers suggestions of what materials to use to build the bridge while Singer B refutes each suggestion explaining why it won't work.

This made me reflect on the difference between when we are solution-oriented and happy to ideate vs when we are poking holes in plans.

But, this isn't about trying to be Singer A all the time. Frankly, Singer A's first suggestion ("wood and clay") probably wouldn't make for much of a bridge long-term. In all likelihood, Singer B is correct to point out that the suggestion won't work ("[they'll] wash away").

But being Singer B all the time also isn't helpful. Raising concerns and bringing a dissenting opinion is important, but if you stop there, you're not being constructive.

The goal then is to bring a little of both to your work. Aligning behind one idea without vetting it is a poor choice. Shooting down ideas without being solution-oriented isn't helpful and can levy a toll on morale.

The trick is to sing both parts.

Thanks for spending time with me in my workshop,

Eric