May 14, 2019
The Abyss of Stuckness
The Extension administration teams of the 12 North Central Region states descended upon Kansas City for the annual meeting of the North Central Cooperative Extension Association a couple of weeks ago. Dr. Kevin McDonald – University of Missouri Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity – was leading a session when he uttered the phrase, "the abyss of stuckness." The term resonated with the attendees based on their reaction of knowing chuckles, pens scribbling furiously, and collective wows. I am sure your colleagues in those 12 states will be hearing the term from their directors or program leaders in the months to come.
We have all been caught in the abyss of stuckness. It is often due to doing things the same way for way too long. The program or event becomes stale as we move into autopilot mode. Sometimes stuckness happens when we do not know how to move forward on a change initiative, too.
Stuckness happens to individuals, teams, and even entire systems. Sometimes we recognize it. Sometimes stuckness sneaks up on us and becomes an unrecognized part of our environment. We become – as Counselor Michael J. Formica puts it in the November 17, 2009 Psychology Today article “Stuckness and How It Is We Stay There” – a fish that does not realize it is wet (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/enlightened-living/200911/stuckness-and-how-it-is-we-stay-there). Unfortunately, even though we may not realize we are in the abyss of stuckness, the people we serve or want to serve often do recognize it.
How do we avoid the abyss of stuckness? First, remember to practice what we preach by making the best better. Practice continual improvement. I remember an IT company that advertised its employees were always asking “what if…” in order to constantly improve their products and services for its customers. Simply asking ourselves “what if…” or “how can we do this better” frequently will help us to avoid the abyss. Acting on those questions help to keep our Extension programs “fresh” in the eyes of our consumers.
Another way to avoid the abyss is to conduct and pay attention to event and program evaluations. We often write off a gradual decline in attendance or enthusiasm by participants in a reoccurring event or program as the program having run its course. If the underlying issue is still relevant, however, maybe it’s the way the event, activity or program is conducted rather than people not being concerned about the underlying issue. Try addressing the issue in another way.
You can also avoid the abyss of stuckness by surrounding yourself with innovators and creative types who will always challenge you to continually improve. Make sure you invite mentors and supervisors to professionally let you know when you are stuck in a rut. Recruit people on your teams, Program Development Committees, and other advisory committees who are known to be innovative or continual improvement practitioners, and empower them to push you and your teams.
What can you do if you find yourself or your team in the abyss of stuckness? Do not panic. The abyss is like quicksand. Panic and you will be consumed by the abyss. Instead, go for small wins. Find small tweaks you can implement by putting yourself, your team, and your advisors through activities like the “What if…” exercise, and implement those that have the best chance of success.
Extension professionals need to be wary of the abyss of stuckness. Actively working to avoid the abyss has two big advantages. First, it will make you professionally happier. Second, the people you serve will be very appreciative of and benefit from your effort.