See a problem; solve a problem. See a problem; solve a problem. This is the problem solving mantra. One that is more widely followed everyday. Yet for every problem fixed, two more appear. Is this progress, or is this an endless problem solving a trap from which there is no escape?
In our information intensive, reactionary work environment it appears that problem solving and fire fighting is in the job description of most people. With this age of the sound bite there is no time to analyze the root cause of problems as they arrive. The primary goal is to fix problems - get them off your desk as soon as possible - knowing full well that the next problem is just on the horizon.
How much of this is self-fulfilling? Just as fire fighters are drawn to fires, are problem solvers are drawn to problems? Perhaps the problem solvers mantra is really: Look for a problem; see a problem; solve a problem. What would happen if they didn’t look for problems? Would there be less problem solving? Not that everyone should bury their heads in the sand and let the sky fall down; but perhaps problem solvers should be given something else to look for?
Instead of looking for a problem, let’s give today’s problem solvers a new mantra: find a value, provide a value. Let’s challenge them to take on a more positive approach. They can spend their time to better understand what is valued by their external or internal customers. Then they can discover ways to exceed what their customer’s value. Provide a value to someone and more opportunities for values present themselves. Solving problems only presents more problems.
Searching for ways to provide greater value is a more positive approach than problem solving. Values are about strengths, opportunity, and accomplishment. Problems are about weaknesses, failure, and blame. Solving problems does not automatically mean increased value. Increasing value automatically means fewer problems; in a way that delights customers and employees.
Our words define our reality. Problem solvers may say they are adding value by solving problems. But in most cases they’re just putting out fires. True, there is value to extinguishing a fire. But not if by putting out one fire two more appear. A value based approach would focus on creating a fire free environment.
Problems are like grey hairs. It's not that two pop up for every one you pull - it's that your eye gets keener at spotting them.
;)
Posted by: catnapping | May 05, 2006 at 01:37 PM