Problems are like hydras. Yes, that mythical multi-headed beast who grows back more heads when one is chopped off. You can’t just deal with the symptom of a problem and expect it to be solved – and taking that approach does tend to result in more symptoms.
Often when we are faced with a problem – something causing discomfort, waste, or angst of any kind – we want the pain to just stop. So we find the first potential source of the irritation and CUT IT OFF! Usually this approach results in several more sources of discomfort, and we are left frustrated and sad.
The last thing we really want to do is step back from the problem and pause to observe it, assess what we’re seeing, and understand what is at the root of the issue. The pain just needs to stop! CUT IT OFF! Especially in positions of leadership, the stakes are high and something must change now – so we just start chopping off heads. The result: a bigger beast and a tired arm.
When you are faced with a problem, ignore the snarling teeth and beady red eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath. Stop to think about what you are really seeing. Have a heart-to-heart with the problem. Find out its name, where it came from, what it really wants in life. I know this may sound a bit silly, but the better you understand the problem, the more effectively you will be able to solve it.
You may be familiar with the phrase “A well-understood problem is half-solved.” If you take the time to understand your problem, much of your work is already done for you. This is completely counter-intuitive to that freaked out place we often find ourselves when there’s blood on the floor and a screeching monster in the closet. You don’t need to waste energy addressing the symptoms of the problem – you need to solve it once and for all. Understanding it helps you do that more than your knee-jerk reaction ever will.
Activity: What’s the last big problem you faced? Did you see the real problem for what it was, or did you try to address the symptoms? What is a problem you’re facing now? How can you understand it better?
If you are examining a problem, here are some questions that may help:
- How do I know this is a problem?
- How do I know what I have identified is the real problem, not a symptom of something else?
- Does anyone else perceive that this is the problem?
- Is this problem keeping me from attaining one of my goals?
- If left unchecked, what will happen?
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