Estimated reading time is 4 minutes.
Takeaway
Problems are the powerful source of opportunity.
Point #1 – Define the Problem
When you hear the word “problem” what are your immediate thoughts and feelings? Most of us experience emotions such as frustration, disappointment, or even a sense of energy immediately seeping from our bodies. Why this type of reaction? Often it’s because we associate that word with some obstacle or roadblock that stands between us and the achievement of our goals. As a manager, often this may involve the people you lead.
Einstein is credited with a powerful quote about solving problems. “If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” This illustrates the important idea that if you are to solve a problem, you must first clearly be able to define it.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when defining a problem;
- What is stopping me from being able to do something I want to do, have something I want to have, or become what I want to become?
- If everything was working exactly as I want, what would be different?
- What am I spending time and energy on that I don’t want to spend it on?
- Who is draining my energy?
- What needs to change?
Make sure to put down in writing what it is that you have defined as the problem. This is an important step and will reveal to you whether you have truly defined the problem. You can’t solve a problem you can’t clearly identify.
You may be surprised at how difficult this step is. Stick with it and learn to be able to identify and define any source of frustration, disappointment, or concern.
Point #2 – Be Glad You Have The Problem
One of my early mentor’s, Paul J. Meyer, gave a talk once where he made the claim that whenever he had a problem, the first thing he did was to write down three reasons he was glad he had the problem. When I heard that for the first time, it struck me as odd. How could one be truly glad they had a problem? Over the years, this idea really stuck with me and I’m here to tell you that it’s a powerful exercise you should try.
So once you have identified the problem, identify the opportunities it provides. Over time you will begin to realize that it’s the problems you are faced with that lead you to your skill development as a manager. When you don’t have enough staff, you learn to be a better recruiter. When you have some people on your staff that aren’t the right people, you learn how to be a better interviewer. When you have people who aren’t proficient at what they need to be able to do, you become a better trainer. When you have people who aren’t as focused on what needs to be done, you become a better leader.
Point #3 – Become An Effective Problem Solver
Being an effective problem solver is one of the key skills you will need to develop if you want to be a successful manager. People follow managers who have a positive and effective approach to dealing with problems. I like to remind myself that if there were no problems, why would the organization need me?
Organizations value managers who are good at problem solving. Look for the problems that are preventing the people on your team, and the organization as a whole, from achieving what they are capable of. Define those problems and consider the solutions. Finally act on them as if you were starting a thrilling adventure. Be glad you have problems because they will be the source of your development as a manager.
Conclusion
Welcome problems and develop a problem solving attitude and process.
Transformational Exercise
Take a few minutes and write down your top 3 problems. List at least 3 reasons you are glad you have each of these problems. Consider how these problems can lead you to becoming a better manager.
