What is the problem?
Sometimes unpleasant things happen to us unexpectedly and we see this as a problem. Leaders face complex problems and need to find a way forward. Another way to see the problem could be described as the difference between “where you are right now” and “where you want to be”… what is your desired outcome or goal.
The way we focus on a particular problem or its solution depends on our perception or mindsets. Some problems are relatively simple-there will be a definite number of appropriate solutions and a clear procedure for solving them. Complex problems are the opposite and they depend more on your assumptions about the problem than the problem itself. How your business stays competitive in the market is a complex problem. All the important and interesting problems are complex ones and the assumptions you bring form part of the problem.
It is unproductive if you address Problem-Only !
Then your thinking is based spontaneously in the past and you may overlook what is important now and from now on. This is a mental deception that appears to be helpful in finding a quick solution, but in fact it doesn’t work very well.
The question “What is your problem…”That provokes long discussions or stories about what you can or can’t do or where your limits are and can direct you unawares into the past, and you might have a problem – even unconsciously creating one. Then you evoke a feeling of concerns and fear with helplessness, sometimes criticizing yourself or you are looking for a culprit. You remain rooted in negative energy and are exposed to unpleasant feeling and attract an even bigger problem.
Most people focus on the problem and in accordance with the law of attraction, attracting what they focus on.
Involuntarily you are under stress and don’t know how to come out of it.
Does this sound familiar to you?
Some pieces of advice:
- First, keep your focus off the problem and second sharpen your attention on the solution of the problem.
- Select the thoughts that create well-being. End the cycle of worries. Simply change your mind frame as in a painting frame. So…does not your painting look completely different after? In this way you will focus on what you would like to have or achieve in the solution
- However when you are confronted with the problem or hear someone’s moaning about the problem, start with a different question, “What do you really want in this situation,” or “What would you like to have or to do” …?
Let’s see what the major differences are between your different responses. You have created a different way of thinking and released stress energy that you have placed in a tangled problem.
A different point of view is the opportunity to create a different result.
With appropriate questions that you will practice, you will also always receive appropriate feedback to help you get to a quick solution to the problem… or to help another person with the problem also.
For business and private purposes we need to establish a healthy and creative attitude to deal with existing or emerging problem.
Basic assumptions of the better problem solving at the level of organization and interpersonal or individual level.
Systematic approach consists of a series of steps and questions that require answers before trying to find a solution. In every group of people are those who think that it is necessary to analyze the problem. Then there are fewer people who are aware that they need new strategic thinking.
Below is a model that can help you solve the problems at different levels. Successful companies have adopted the rule that every problem or delicate topic put it in the form of this model.
1. What is the current situation: First, define or describe your undesired problem or which behavior is unsatisfactory? This should be the starting point of the resolution process, rather than an obstacle.
2. The causes and reasons: The source of the problem and what it is all connected to?
3. What is your desired state or goal: What is important to you and what do you want to achieve?
4. What measures did you use in your selection options? What are your additional resources?
The model requires flexible thinking and it helps expanding your self- development. The biggest obstacle is a defense mechanism of people with whom the successful solutions are not expected. Complaints have a negative charge and absorb all of the energy as leeches. Some people will surrender to fate and unconsciously retreat. Others who are naturally more dominant will look for the culprit or those who think they are “super” will go into exaggeration. In general, approximately 80% of them are complaining and looking for the culprit. Only 20% of them proactively resolve the problem, and you can be among them.
The first thing that is important in solving the problem in business or anywhere is knowing yourself, knowing who you are as a person and what your role is in that problem. Do you believe that you can achieve the solution and have control over the process? You have to!
Otherwise you will not be really effective. Basic beliefs about yourself and others and who you really are as a person, will help yo not to get caught in the trap of hesitation and uncertainties.
To your success,
Marija Hafner, PhD
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