1-Minute Wednesday No. 151: Becoming a Problem Finder
For years we have done an excellent job of teaching people how to be problem solvers. But the best problem solvers among us have a distinct difference. They are not just good problem solvers; they’re also good problem finders.?
What do I mean by this?
When presented with a problem, most of us instinctively rush to define it and look for solutions. But there is danger in this approach as it can lead us to become locked into that version of the problem, closing our eyes to the fact that we may not even be solving the right problem in the first place.
Problem finders take a different path. Instead of rushing to define a problem, they seek to understand it. They look at it from multiple angles and consider various alternatives. They ensure they are solving the right problem, which helps them find the best solution.??
Problem-finding is not the default for most of us (myself included), so we must learn how to do it. Over the next few weeks, I will share the best ways I am learning to make this crucial shift.?
Here’s the first, simple step. It will help you avoid the tendency to define a problem prematurely.
I call it the 5-second rule:
That’s something that you can begin right now.
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Listen
The Greg McKeown Podcast
Interested in learning more about how you can shift from being a problem-solver to becoming a problem-finder? Don't miss part 1 of my 4-part series on problem finding on?The Greg McKeown Podcast.?
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You can listen?here.?
Learn
The Mindset of a Problem-Finder
In this excerpt from his book?Know What You Don't Know,?author Michael A. Roberto explores the characteristics that separate leaders who are problem-solvers from leaders who are problem-finders.?
Read the article?here.?
Weekly Wisdom
“The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.”?- Theodore Rubin
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President & Managing Co-Owner of Ly5 Energy Land Services, Inc.
1 年and they are always accused of being negative, in reality they are optimistic pessimists who are willing to do what needs to be done when they find the negative.
Business Excellence | Operational Excellence | Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt | Business Transformation
1 年I agree and it is an important step in user-centered design. A fundamental design thinking principle is to fall in love with the problem, not the solution. It is only when there is a deep understanding and empathy for the user that we can identify the best solution (or design a new solution).
Systems Thinker | Project Manager | Change Agent | Problem Solver | Facilitator | Writer
1 年Some of the best design advice I’ve ever got has been to fall in love with the problem. So often we quickly transfer our affections - energy, focus and will - to the ‘solution’, and lose sight of the actual problem.
Perspective Matters--Its not about what you see it′s about how you see it.
1 年Greg McKeown thanks for sharing; I enjoyed reading your book the essentialist and it is advisable to read this book which encourages readers to let go of external expectations and instead focus on their own internal compass to guide decisions. By carefully selecting and investing what truly matters-- you can achieve greater productivity, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose in business and life. I′d like to point out one little but important human factor to be considered. Problem finders may focus solely on the problems themselves and overlook the impact they have on others. This can make them appear insensitive or dismissive of others' perspectives and feelings. Make sure you are aware about this so you will become more effective in driving positive change and solving problems collaboratively.
Spare Parts Logistics Manager (Lean) @ Siemens Healthineers | Master's in Logistics
1 年Nice, I like the concept. Thank you Greg McKeown