Volume XXIII, Number 9Issue 1118 | March 3, 2025
Putting the Puzzle Pieces in Place
Most people, it seems, enjoy solving puzzles. One need look no further than the response to the riddles that appear as part of each week’s MMM for evidence of that. Having offered those weekly quizzes for thirteen years, I have noticed a couple of things about the players. First, there is a group of individuals who enjoy vying to be among the first five players with the correct solution. Second, among the larger group of regulars some are blessed with a knack for solving Rebus style puzzles while another cohort seems to excel at deciphering word scrambles. Is it possible their brains are wired differently?
Another example of our penchant for puzzles is the incredible popularity of jigsaw puzzles – which increased exponentially during the pandemic. That event notwithstanding, many of us began our fascination with jigsaw puzzles as tykes and the connection only grew from there. Whether it is the challenge of turning a blank space into a finished picture, the profound sense of accomplishment that comes when the puzzle is done, or simply the endorphins released when we connect multiple pieces, there is something special about working on a puzzle. Of course, it helps to reach a satisfactory conclusion when you have fewer pieces to arrange, a picture of the end result to guide you, and a readily identifiable border to work within, which is really the point of today’s message.
Sometimes as consultants we are asked to advise a client on reporting lines and structures, particularly when their growth model is predicated on acquisitions, or the leadership needs of the business are shifting and changing. Other times we are asked to help them identify the individuals who are best qualified to fill the key boxes on their org chart. The people part of those engagements invariably includes assessing existing bench strength together with the steps needed to better prepare potential successors. Effectively organizing that sort of data is analogous to solving a puzzle only without a picture to go by, a border, or obvious interlocking pieces. Perhaps it is the allure of a puzzle that makes projects of that sort so incredibly satisfying for both the client and us. Is it simply a matter of the pieces falling into place and the picture taking shape? What about you? What types of puzzles get your juices flowing?
Soli Deo Gloria
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210)260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
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Copyright 2025 by J. Keith Hughey. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted for reproduction and redistribution of this essay as provided under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Recent issues of Musings may be found at www.jkeithhughey.com. Your comments are always welcome.