In business we are often rewarded for identifying and fixing problems quickly. The faster the better. I call this see the bear, shoot the bear. Good executives know how to go bear hunting everyday. Your comp plan, your budget, your reputation all are defined by the number of bears you can skin. Sometimes the bears will sneak up on you, other times you can smell them a mile away. Fast, accurate and decisive action puts you at the top of the pack.

But some issues need time and space as the organically unfold. Speed is not the answer. Discussion and reflection are the attributes for success. Getting a wide variety of input and looking at all the options works well. Thinking about the macro issues, looking at the micro impacts let's you really get into the conversation.  I call this taking the bear to lunch. Taking your time to let solutions unfold. Exploring all the choices. looking at all the options. Some cultures are really good at this, like the French. The conversations and debate are just as important as the solution. If you work with any solutions or services this approach is great. Also this is how innovation and R&D takes shape. Slow and deliberate are the attributes.

Shooting mode is in the shape of a triangle and the lunch mode is circular. The triangle cuts to the kill while the circle engages everyone. When you can get into the somatic positions with minimum effort when under pressure, then you are starting to master this skill. Of the keys in your body is to let go in your gut but continue to stand tall and dignified. You don't want to be collapsed and crunched down, stay in upright and noble. Students that sin in formal Zen style have this down, often Vipassana students have a soft belly but then collapse. Try this and see how it feels, an open soft belly and also nice and tall.

Which approach do you usually take, shoot the bear or take the bear to lunch? Most of us have an affinity to one or the other as our default approach. To be good in business you have to really effective at one of these. To be a great leader you have to be able to move back and forth. This ability to flow is so critical in today's world. Can you see when others get stuck in one mode?

Great executives (and partners at home) know when to shoot the bear and when to take the bear to lunch. If you are just shooting or eating, try to expand your approach and see what great results appear.