The Road Trip Rule for Issue Solving

In this episode of Root Issue Radio, Jill Young and Sue Hawkes continue their conversation on the five leadership abilities, focusing on predicting as a key part of healthy issue solving. They explore how leaders can think clearly about both short-term and long-term needs without overwhelming the team or turning every idea into an immediate action item.

Jill and Sue talk about the difference between what is urgent now and what belongs on a future rock, highlighting the discipline needed to keep the 90-day focus clean and manageable. They share how leaders often overestimate what can be done right now and underestimate what is possible over time, which can create burnout and scatter team energy.

The conversation also introduces the idea of a “pocket rock,” where a leader takes on a future-sized project that really belongs in the long-term plan. Jill and Sue use this as a reminder that good prediction protects focus, preserves energy, and keeps teams aligned on what matters most right now.

Listener Takeaway

Strong leadership means knowing what to solve now, what to defer, and what to hold for the future. When teams predict well, they stay focused, protect energy, and solve the right issues at the right time

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