Execution Strategies

In computer science there exists a term called the divide-and-conquer algorithm.

What this algorithm basically does is that it breaks down a larger problem into smaller sub-problems and each of those sub-problems are then broken down into even smaller sub-problems.

You continue to break down all the sub-problems until you have a bunch of small and easily solvable problems -- if you solve all of these small problems, then you’ve solved the main, bigger problem.

You can apply this same algorithm to your life and to your goals.

I find that many people have big dreams and big aspirations but when it comes time for them to actually start working on it, they stand there confused and unsure about which direction to take. The most common complaint they have is that they don’t know where to start.

So how would you apply the divide-and-conquer algorithm to your life or business?

Let me explain how by sharing a real life case study.

When Michael Jordan first retired from the NBA in 1999, he did so with an astonishing average of 31.5 points per game -- an NBA record.

In addition to being an incredible testament to Jordan’s skill as a basketball superstar, the record is a great indicator of his mental drive and determination.

No matter who the opponent was, Jordan got his 32 points every night for 13 years.

If you break it down and examine how Jordan achieved this incredible feat you have to embrace the philosophy of Divide and Conquer.

High achievers develop the ability to break their goals into manageable bite sized increments. It’s important to understand that large goals and overwhelming tasks are only intimidating when you look at them in totality.

The first step toward managing what seems unmanageable is to break each task into smaller increments, in other words divide the goal into morsels and conquer each task one at a time.

By focusing on the smaller objectives instead of the large whole, your tasks seem easier and your anxiety and blood pressure are certainly lowered.

One of life’s most important lessons is that a large goal consists of a bunch of smaller ones.

EVERY big goal or project can be reduced to a series of small jobs and activities.

This attitude and philosophical approach will help you to maximize your results in dramatic fashion.

You can do the same thing with time. Every day has 1,440 minutes. Assuming you need 8 hours or 480 minutes of sleep, you’re left with 960 minutes in which to achieve the goals you set for yourself in a given day.

Divide and conquer your day into manageable bites of between 15 and 30 minutes. Divide a task that’s likely to take an hour as consuming four 15-minute time increments and you will conquer your tasks in an orderly and results oriented manner.

So how did Michael Jordan divide and conquer his way to success, the answer is amazingly simple; he averaged 8 points per quarter (divide) and multiplied (conquered) his was into the record books and became a legend in the process!

Dr. James Orinski

Dr. Orbinski is past international president (1998-2001) of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) / Doctors Without Borders. MSF is the world’s largest fully independent medical humanitarian organization with over 400 projects in more than 80 different countries. In 1999 MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Orbinski has represented MSF in numerous settings and emergencies in the past years, including at the UN Security Council, many national parliaments, the World Health Organization (WHO), The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), The Office of the UNUNHCR, in the Sudan, Kosovo, Russia, Cambodia, South Africa, India and Thailand.

He is noted for his clear, strong stance that insists on the duty of states to respect people’s right to humanitarian assistance in war or other instances of political failure, and on our individual responsibility to act meaningfully in the face of human suffering.

An Imperfect Offering by Dr. James Orinski

I finished this book last evening and found myself on numerous pages fighting back tears. An Imperfect Offering is more than a memoir of life on the frontlines of disaster ? it is a provocative and revealing meditation on what it means to be human. What do we do, and what should we do, in the face of unspeakable suffering.

In addition to his brilliantly written book, I also recommend the documentary titled Triage. Triage will unsettle and move as it pointedly asks disturbing questions at the heart of the humanitarian dilemma. What can any one individual really do to bring peace to those who suffer? Where does humanitarianism end and raw politics begin? How does the sight of unspeakable evil affect the soul?

Smartly directed by Patrick Reed, this remarkable film provides no definitive answers, but celebrates the best in the human spirit while staring unblinkingly at the worst.

Bristling with energy, Triage brings the causes and cures of conflict into sharp focus through Orbinski’s unflinching, fearless perspective. He is a man who believes with all of his heart that every life counts.

I hope Dr. James Orbinski’s life?s work compels you to further explore the current challenges facing humanitarianism.

Muhammad Yunus

Yunus pioneered the concept of microcredit – lending money to people so poor no one else would even consider them for a loan.

He created the non-traditional banking model in 1976 by lending $27 to a group of 42 bamboo weavers in Bangladesh.

That’s all they needed to get them away from loan sharks. They used the money to grow their enterprise – and paid back with interest every penny they owed.

Through the years, Yunus has lent five-point-six million dollars to more than 7 million people. Loan amounts have averaged about $130.

I’m drawn to the story on two levels:

First, Muhammad Yunus has made a difference in people’s lives. He has seen and filled a very real need. Many millions of people have benefitted from his unusual philanthropy. His story makes me feel good and inspires me to do good.

But it’s the unusual solution to a seemingly impossible situation that has me coming back to the story, over and over again. I can’t help but admire his unique approach:

When faced with a problem, do as little as possible to create a solution.

Instead of throwing millions of dollars at a “poverty relief plan” in Bangladesh, he loaned a small group of people the exact amount they needed to solve their problem.

No cumbersome bureaucracy or structure to contribute complexity – just a simple solution. We are often tempted to do more than is necessary.

Leonardo daVinci said – Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Perhaps we’re afraid to offer simple solutions because doing so makes us look less intelligent. We are fearful that someone will accuse us of not understanding the “vastness” of the situation.

But I’m going to suggest that those who offer layer upon layer of complicated answers, may not understand the essential question.

Here’s an assignment for you, your family, and your associates:

1. Relate to them the story of Muhammad Yunus.
2. Identify a challenging problem that exists in your life or business right now.
3. Then take some time to consider an elegant and simple solution. Do as little as possible to create a solution.

Simplicity doesn’t just happen on its own. In fact, without conscious, sustained effort focused on simplicity, the opposite – increased complexity – is almost certain to manifest itself.

Over the next few days I’ll be sharing a number of thoughts and blog posts for you to enjoy.

In the meantime, please give me your thoughts on this post and how you can do as little as possible to solve big problems in your life as well as in society.

Who knows, you may be able to come up with a life changing solution!