Finding Solutions To Problems We Shouldn’t Have
One problem for many managers is that they believe they shouldn’t have any. Finding solutions to problems comes with the territory. How would you rate your ability to find solutions?
Most workplace problems, the ones that are still a problem, exist because they aren’t easily solved. If they were, they would be solved by now.
We’ve all probably heard that when you learn from mistakes, and in the future do it differently you’ve found some value in the misfortune. It is a good argument and good advice.
Once Upon a Time
When we learned to ride a bike, we made some mistakes. We learned to balance, pedal, and lean into the turns.
Taking the math exam probably unveiled some problems. Things like accuracy, trying to solve the problems the quickest. Hurrying because you don’t want to be last. Sometimes even our own handwriting caused errors.
We had to learn to slow down, budget our time appropriately, and reflect on our own work.
Later in life we started to learn more about navigating situations that involved people. We learned about sharing, caring, and listening more to understand instead of just respond.
Most of what we’ve done has included problem solving. Hits and misses, mistakes made, and changes put in place, then we try again.
Life can wear us down. In grade school we probably proclaimed “not fair.” Then an adult adjusted for fairness. Was that fair, or just another twist to the dilemma?
Finding Solutions
Finding solutions isn’t always easy.
As a workplace leader, regardless of title, position, or organizational position, we may accept that finding solutions is part of our job.
The solution may be learning a new way to balance, pedaling different to save energy, and leaning just right into the curves.
Solutions may involve accuracy, patience, and organizational skills.
We may have to navigate differently. Listen more, learn something new, and change habits.
If someone suggested it would be easy, they were wrong.
That is the great thing about leading. You find a way, or you invent one.
Problems are just invitation to get started. They are opportunities in disguise.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
