If you talk to two people in conflict, many times they get bogged down in explaining to you how much better each one of them can see the problem, and who’s fault it is. It’s very easy to get sucked into the “perfect problem” syndrome. You can spend huge amounts of time just unraveling all the nasty knots of the problem.
The problem with keeping your focus on the problem is that. . .
- The problem is not going anywhere
- Tempers are getting more heated
- Negativity is spiraling out of control
- Everybody involved feels depleted of energy
- The problem grows instead of dissolving
If you decide to focus on solutions:
- Creativity flourishes
- People involved feel energized
- There's a feeling of hope
- There's no blaming
- Personal responsibility increases
- Things get done
Focusing on solutions doesn’t mean that you ignore the problem. It means that you visit the problem only to understand it, but the majority of your effort and energy goes to finding solutions.
Think about it. What is more efficient? What contributes more to collaboration and team spirit? What contributes to innovation?
Remember. . .
Focusing on problems only locks you into negativity. Focusing on solutions is more efficient and better contributes to productivity and profitability. The choice is yours. Be the leader that engages people in finding solutions.
I can help you or the leaders that report to you be more solution focused and successful. To find out more, simply click here.
Photo by: U.S. Army Europe Images