Focus on Excuses or Focus on Solutions

Focus on excuses, and every challenge is a stumbling block.
Focus on solutions, and every challenge becomes a stepping stone.

During one of Franklin D. Roosevelt's election campaigns, his campaign manager was about to print 3 million copies of the candidate's acceptance speech with his photograph alongside. Then someone pointed out that the photographer had never given permission to use the photograph. According to the copyright laws at that time, you could be fined a dollar per copy for publishing unauthorized photographs. The campaign couldn't take a $3 million hit.

The campaign manager felt a tinge of panic, but instead of thinking up excuses or finding someone to blame, he kept his cool and started considering ways to handle the situation. Could this disaster be turned into a dividend?

He had an idea.

He cabled the photographer: "I have a plan that could mean a great deal of publicity for you. What's it worth to you if I use your photo on this campaign material?" The photographer cabled back: "I can't afford more than $250."

It was a deal!

By focusing on finding a solution, FDR's campaign manager was not only able to prevent great embarrassment and fines, but he also forged a lasting relationship between the photographer and FDR's administration—and he got a pretty good deal for a crucial photo.

(adapted from Lee Colan)