By Jeanne Sawyer
The ability to solve complicated problems quickly is moreimportant than ever in today’s tough economy.
From the time we’re little kids, we’re taught to solve problemsby trial and error. That’s fine if the problem is as simple as aburned out light bulb. When the problem is a muddle of business,technical and political problems, we need something that helpsus untangle the mess. Unless you’re Harry Potter, treating amess like a burned out light bulb is as effective as wishing formagic.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to magic. Many key conceptsin problem solving seem obvious but are often overlooked,causing delays and frustration in getting important problemssolved. Welcome to the second installment of tips and remindersthat will help you solve messy problems quickly and easily.
** Use your project management skills.
Solving a big problem is a project: you’re far more likely tosolve it successfully if you treat it like one. That meansyou’ll need to identify tasks, make and adjust assignments, andkeep track of what is due when. Be sure to get appropriatemanagement support for your project.
** Look for solution owners rather than problem owners.
Everyone participating in the situation owns the problem, likeit or not—and nobody likes it. Avoid the finger-pointing trap bylooking for solution owners, i.e., the people who can dosomething to help solve the problem. Helping with a solution ismuch more fun than being blamed for a problem, so you’re morelikely to get the response you need.
** Whatever you do, do it on purpose.
Doing nothing is a wimpy way to decide not to solve theproblem—and is quite likely to leave you making awkwardexplanations when the problem resurfaces.
** Communicate.
Don’t leave you key stakeholders guessing. Being human, we tendto be bad about keeping others informed about the progress we’remaking, especially if there is little or no progress. You’remore likely to get support and understanding if you get the wordout honestly about what is happening.
** Avoid bug mentality.
Fixing bugs fixes symptoms: like taking aspirin for a headache,it may provide relief but does nothing to prevent the nextheadache. It’s ok, and often necessary, to relieve the symptomsbut you have to dig deeper if you’re going to prevent problemsfrom occurring.
copyright 2005. Jeanne Sawyer. All Rights Reserved
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