Systems-based thinking: MEP engineers should be naturally adept at this strategic approach.

In the United States, we are very goal oriented. We have annual goals. There are smart goals; revenue goals; and performance goals. There are even big, hairy, audacious goals. We are “goal” obsessed. While there are positives to setting goals — such as creating motivation — there are often times where goals can become a hindrance; they can cause us to focus on one thing while not evaluating how it fits into the broader picture. Additionally, the moment you set a goal, you are living in a state of failure. You want to achieve something, but you haven’t. For some, this could lead to paralysis. For others, once a goal is achieved, old, negative habits could come back. The achievement of a goal only leads to temporary results. The goal leads to a condition that wasn’t sustainable.