The First Rule of Problem Solving

Odd as it seems, not all problems have to be solved. Action may actually create a problem that didn’t exist in the first place. The problem-solving starting point should be “Don’t just do something, stand there!”

This non-action can occur for different reasons. Perhaps I don’t care or recognize there is a difference between what is, and what is wanted. Perhaps I recognize there is a problem, but decide it’s not one that I have to solve (this is hard for me since I love solving problems). Regardless there is no action required on my part.

Corollary 1:
The problem I’m presented with isn’t really my problem. I am not in the middle of that problem; the other person is. My problem is the meta-problem (a problem of a problem). Therefore, my problem becomes how to best assist the client with their problem.  When I rush in to “help” the other person I:

1.  Deprive that person of a learning opportunity.
2.  Take time from my work to do other people’s work.
3.  Run the risk of creating co-dependency.

Corollary 2:
Don’t care more about solving the problem than the other person does. I worked with a company that I believed had a problem. Their training material was sub-standard, the instructor had never used the software, and they were losing money because the sales channel wouldn’t promote the class.  We (the client and I) initially set out to solve this problem.  In less than a week I determined I was the only who cared about solving this problem. They would not commit the resources (personnel, time, and money) to deal with the problem. I had to back off to match their level of (not) caring.

Join the next Problem Solving Leadership workshop. Learn and practice tools, methods, and models to consider while you just stand there.

By Don Gray