Have We Solved the Right Problem?

First a quote: “Don’t just solve the problem, fix the underlying process.” ?– Greg Salton

Hello and happy Monday!

As you may have heard me say before, I love meeting new people and love learning from the people I’m so privileged to work with and support. Last week again provided another perfect example.

I was facilitating a strategic thinking workshop, in the Midwest, for a group of leaders from a large financial institution. As part of the event, their Chief Risk Officer was invited to speak with the participants. I loved every minute of his presentation and took several pages of notes. The quote above came from his remarks.

Sometimes, fixing a problem may lead to the wrong solution!

In a world where efficiency, productivity, and rapid solutions are prized, it's common for businesses and individuals to focus solely on resolving immediate issues. However, addressing problems at their surface level often leads to temporary fixes, allowing the underlying processes to continue causing trouble in the long run.

To truly achieve lasting success and improvement, it's essential to shift our mindset and perspective from quick fixes to identifying and rectifying the root causes of problems. I offer the following thoughts for your consideration:

The Pitfall of Band-Aid Solutions

In many organizations, when an issue arises, the instinct is to quickly patch it up and move on. This approach, known as the "Band-Aid solution," provides temporary relief but fails to address the real source of the problem. Over time, these band-aided issues resurface, leading to a cycle of firefighting and limited progress.

The Power of Root Cause Analysis

To break free from the cycle of temporary fixes, businesses must embrace the power of root cause analysis. This systematic approach involves delving deep into the problem's origin to understand its underlying causes. By identifying the root cause, organizations can make informed decisions about implementing changes that address the core issue.

Cultivating a Learning Culture

A focus on fixing underlying processes promotes a learning culture within organizations. It encourages employees to seek continuous improvement and empowers them to question the status quo. When team members are encouraged to identify and solve root causes, they become more proactive and innovative, driving positive change throughout the organization.

“Every problem has a solution; it may sometimes just need another perspective.”― Katherine Russell

Resilience in the Face of Change

The world is constantly evolving, and businesses must adapt to survive. Those that have mastered the art of fixing underlying processes are better equipped to face new challenges. They have a deeper understanding of their operations, making it easier to adjust to changes in the market, technology, or consumer preferences.

While problem-solving is crucial, it is equally important to address the root cause of issues rather than focusing solely on short-term solutions. Fixing the underlying process brings about numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, cost savings, a culture of learning, enhanced quality, and the capacity for innovation. By cultivating this mindset, individuals and organizations can navigate the complexities of the modern world with resilience and long-term success.

Related Articles:

• Click here to read: Are Problems the Problem l LinkedIn
• Click here to read: Are My Problems My Fault? l LinkedIn

How will you love, live, or lead, differently, or better, this week?

Sincerely,

Bryan Yager

“Expanding Your Capacity for Success”

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Bonus Quotes:

• “A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” — John Dewey
• “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” — Duke Ellington
• “Creating something is all about problem-solving.” — Philip Seymour Hoffman
• “If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can solve them.” — Isaac Asimov
• “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” — Albert Einstein
• “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem” ― Captain Jack Sparrow