I am a big fan of metaphors for leadership and change, especially those that are simple, tangible, and accessible across groups.

Here are three questions I frequently ask individuals and teams:

1. Do you need a new system to solve this problem? (New)
   
2. Is there a current system that just needs some duct tape? (Quick fix)
   
3. Is there a current system that needs a little WD-40? (Help it work more smoothly)
   

There are thousands of ways duct tape and WD-40 can be used in life, both for their original design purposes and for creative life hacks. They are practical, familiar, and surprisingly versatile.

For the purpose of this leadership metaphor, I intentionally oversimplify..

Sometimes a team truly needs to build something new. The current structure, process, or mindset simply is not designed to solve the problem at hand.

Sometimes the system is fundamentally sound but needs a temporary fix…something to stabilize it while deeper work happens.

And sometimes nothing is broken. The system just needs alignment, communication, clarity, or refinement. A little lubrication can reduce friction and allow good work to move more smoothly.

This tangible frame helps leaders stay in a mindset of possibility rather than frustration. Instead of reacting emotionally or jumping to overhaul everything, they can pause and diagnose:

• Is this a redesign issue?
  
• A stabilization issue?
  
• Or a refinement issue?
  

Right now, what does your team, your organization, or, even, you need?

A new system?
Duct tape?
Or a little WD-40?