Fix The Problem

Fighting a problem does not require us to fight other people.

We don't need to agitate when we can collaborate.

Fix the problem (which is likely caused by flaws in the process, design, or environment) and the people will be fine.

-- doug smith 

Consider The Impact

Has anyone ever solved a problem in a way that made things worse for you?

Changes in job sites, changes in processes, software updates, family squabbles...with good intentions people rush solutions into play that seem to work for some, and yet badly disappoint others.

We can do better than that.

Think thru those solutions before launching that change. Get help from as many people as possible who will be impacted by that change.

Until you consider the impact of your problem's solution on other people you haven't really considered that solution enough.

-- doug smith 

Get Creative

What if the least likely solution to a problem turned out to be your best choice?

Unlikely does not mean impossible.

Face the challenge and the challenge may back down. Get creative and the best solution may emerge.

-- doug smith

 

Anger's Message

Once you realize that you're angry you can let it go.

It's done its job: informing you of a disconnection.

We can keep disconnecting, or we can solve the problem by connecting.

What's your choice?

-- doug smith

Timing The Search

 

When you are working on solving a problem, how long do you search for a solution? How about for the cause?

Would it surprise you to know that most people stop their search too soon?

Our need to find the cause of a problem can cause us to stop the search too soon. We reach for an incomplete or uninformed solution and then -- the problem persists. Problems resist lazy answers.

Sometimes the answer to timing the search is to keep on searching.

-- doug smith

Fear and Change

Change, while necessary, can also provoke fear.

Solving problems requires change. 

Given a choice, it's easy to shy away from the fear of change.

We hold onto our problems when change causes fear. Stay centered, manage those emotions, and reach for courage instead of fear. What if you DID solve that problem by changing the process, the situation, or the interpersonal dynamics?

You can. Fear might just be the excitement you feel from the shift of the solution.

-- doug smith

 

More Than Trying

Have you ever tried to solve a problem too fast? The need for that closure, the craving for satisfaction, the desire to put the problem to rest can lead us to solutions that feel good at first but just do not work.

The point of problem solving is not to feel good about trying to solve the problem -- it's about solving the problem.

That might take longer. 

-- doug smith