Diminishing Returns

A shrimp trawler sacrifices thousands of fish (bycatch) in order to net a far lesser number of shrimp. The number of dead fish thrown back into the ocean continues to swell. Any benefit that looks like shrimp begins to take second place to a deficit in the ocean.

A small amount of liquid is applied to a typing error. It works well. Apply too much of this liquid and the remedy becomes the reckoning of the paper.

An appropriate amount of mascara applied to the eyelashes of one’s eye can beautify that face. Too much mascara reaches a point of diminishing returns.

A modicum of friendliness on the part of the leader toward the team member can be a blessing. Friendliness taken too far can equal a loss of objectivity.

Caring enough to confront stretched into perpetual complaining can approach bullying. Whereas some refuse to care enough to confront, others only choose to care enough to affirm. Either strength taken too far becomes problematic.

There is no case, save integrity, where a strength cannot be taken too far. Challenges in this realm are as rampant as ticks from a clock. In order to respond to the “strengths-taken-too-far” challenge, the leader must apply discernment to situations. Thinking before activation is the key.

Discernment is knowing “when to” and “when not to.” Within a more complex crucible, discernment is that capacity to choose wisely, to see into the future of one’s consequences of an action and to respond with restraint. Discernment is a gigantic challenge.