Believe it or not, there is a process for successful problem-solving which I found useful in my years as a CEO of a non-profit organization and then a consultant to the nonprofit industry. I want to share it with you because it guarantees a better outcome.
What would you rather have?
1. The one answer that everyone jumps at after 15 minutes of discussion that never works or,
2. A clear problem that generates at least three sound possibilities to implement. What’s the difference?
Here’s a hint by Thomas Edison, “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about the solution.”
What did he mean?
Too often we jump to solutions – looking for the “magic bullet”– before we have defined the problem which results in weak solutions. The five important questions below will help you and your team to name the problem correctly.
1. How do we know a problem exists?
It seems to be a fundamental question, right? It creates the opportunity to identify what the problem looks like and who’s involved in it. It cuts through superficial communication and gets to the heart of the problem.
Karin’s Tip: At this time ask “Does everyone agree a problem exists?” The information provided in this answer brings clarity to circumstances surrounding the problem.
2. Do we have one problem or more than one problem?
We often try and simplify an issue that is quite complicated. In doing so, we can’t possibly begin to come up with solutions that are going to solve all of the individual components of the problem. It won’t happen through one discussion. Ask this question to add certainty to what you are addressing.
Karin’s Tip: Go back to lessons from early days in school and get comfortable asking the 5 W questions: What, When, Where, How and Why?.
3. Are we solving the problem or symptoms of the problem?
As a professional mediator and negotiator, I help people work through their issues which have turned into conflict. Underlying conflict is a problem that needs to be resolved. However, participants would rather talk about what they see or experience a change in their communication with one another (a symptom) because it is easier than having a tough conversation about what is driving the change.
Karin’s Tip: What you see isn’t always what you get. Don’t let other push forward before you know what you are addressing.
4. Who is impacted by the problem?
Who is directly affected by what is going on and how? Working in the world of non-profit means working with people who count on us (clients & families) and the stakeholders who support them. By defining who is involved, we can find solutions that will be accepted by all concerned.
Karin’s Tip: Consider all things surrounding the problem like; What is this problem costing us in time, reputation, damaged relationships, etc.
5. Now it’s time to define the problem!
When you have asked these question (and more), you are ready to state the problem in one – two sentences that have everybody understand and agreeing up its meaning. Now you can quickly and easily find the best solutions.
Karin’s Final Tip: Spend about 60% of the time you have to solve a problem on defining the problem by asking many, many questions. Think of yourself a private detective seeking information. BE CURIOUS.
Wondering what happens next? Join me next week to find out.
Check back to my website next Tuesday and sign up for my FREE webinar “If Crying Doesn’t Help Solve Problems, What Does? The 10 steps of successful problem-solving”.