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How to take a solution-oriented approach to resolving problems - Thrive Global
Separating problems from people
Great leaders separate problems from people. They ask questions until they understand the issue.
A clear understanding of a problem delivers two-thirds of the solution. By doing so, they can approach the situation fairly and find a suitable solution.
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Use the why lens
Great leaders only solve problems within their control. Ones connected to their biggest why. They ask:
- Is this our problem?
- Why should we solve this problem?
- What happens if we don’t?
- How would the solution contribute to accomplishing our most important goals?
Problems as opportunities
Problems fuel great leaders, providing opportunities to learn and grow to the next level.
The greater the problem, the hungrier they are for a solution. Leaders like Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates view problems as golden opportunities to disrupt the market and revolutionize the customer experience.
Acknowledging the problem
Great leaders acknowledge there is a problem and demonstrate the severity of the problem and the benefit of the solution to stakeholders, partners, and shareholders.
This way, the leader not only takes responsibility for making the problem transparent, but he or she also explores different dimensions of the problem, consequently benefiting from others’ ideas.
Separating problems from people
Great leaders separate problems from people. They ask questions until they understand the issue.
A clear understanding of a problem delivers two-thirds of the solution. By doing so, they can approach the situation fairly and find a suitable solution.
Pointing fingers
Great leaders know that finger-pointing does not solve problems. It only adds new ones.
Instead, a leader starts problem-solving by narrowing down the issue. When the problem has been addressed and potentially solved, they ask their team members what they learned from the experience and how they can improve vulnerable areas.
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Remain objective
Great problem solvers approach each new problem as though it were brand new.
That way they can apply a specific solution to the problem instead of a fix that may go only partway.
List the obstacles
Great problem solvers take a high-level view of the issues involved and jot down a list of all the potential factors that could get in the way of a solution.
Identify the opportunity
So many times great opportunities are wrapped up inside simple problems.
The problem at hand may be symptomatic of bigger problems with your systems or perhaps your industry.
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Small Thinking And Big Thinking
Companies, teams and individual achievers are sharply focused on achieving goals. But this focus on completion often limits the scope of the results and stifles innovation.
There is a ...
Create Specified Time For Thinking
Set aside time to tackle a problem and then use the entire time. Don't head for the door after the first good idea, as there may be bigger and better ideas to come.
Encourage Outside Learning
Bring facilitation techniques to encourage participation.
By giving team members time and resources to grow, learn, and explore you get a better quality and wider brainstorming.
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Understand the requirements
When you start solving a problem, be sure to understand the starting point, the end goal, and the obstacles in be...
Understand the size of the problem
It's important to understand what is how big the problem is.
Use questions like:
- How many requests the system should satisfy?
- What is the expected response time?
- How many resources do we have?
- What about deadlines?
Stand on the shoulders of giants
The chance someone else already solved your problem is high. All you have to do is a search in the literature to find out if there is a solution for a problem matching your use case. There is no point in reinventing the wheel.
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