Short on Answers? Reframe the Problem!
Sometimes our approach to solving a problem inhibits our progress. When answers aren’t forthcoming, different approaches may help solve the problem. Here are some alternative activities to consider when answers are elusive.
Write (or rewrite) the description of the problem. Sometimes, taking the time to write your description of a problem causes you to think differently. If you already have a written problem statement, try scrapping those words and rewriting it using different terms. The habits we have for viewing the world, and the vocabulary we use, can sometimes restrict our thinking. Writing or rewriting a problem statement causes us to rethink, sometimes triggering a different perspective. This leads to potential solutions we might not have considered.
Consult with different people. You and your team probably have a very sound discipline for problem-solving. But that doesn’t mean it will work in every situation. Bring in different people from varied backgrounds to look at the problem. Their discipline and habits for problem-solving can give you alternative perspectives that can lead to effective solutions. Note: While useful, this approach requires patience. As other people take a different approach to problem-solving, you may not understand where they are going at first…let the process play out before judging whether their solutions will be viable.
Are assumptions restricting your thinking? Review and scrutinize assumptions you are making about the problem or potential solutions. I recall an instance where I did not believe my manager would approve the solution the project team recommended. As a result, I asked them to derive alternatives. What they came up with wasn’t as promising as the original solution. Reluctantly, I proposed the original solution to my manager, who, considering the circumstances, approved it. My unvalidated assumption about my manager’s views caused more work and time before we proceeded to solve the problem. Consider if any assumptions about the problem, or a solution, are restricting your pathway to a resolution.
Determine if history is truly repeating itself. Let’s say you’re trying to address a problem, and you faced a similar problem in the past. Furthermore, at that time, your solution didn’t fix the problem. It would be natural to dismiss that solution as ineffective for the problem you are currently facing because you don’t want history to repeat itself. While using history to determine the way forward is an appropriate technique, don’t rely on it too much. While the problem may be like other situations, assess if the situation isn’t different enough to allow that promising solution to succeed in this instance. It just may be that history won’t repeat itself because the problem, or your ability to deploy a solution, is different from what you experienced in the past.
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Additional thoughts can be found in my project management and outsourcing classes on LinkedIn Learning, including:
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This article is part of Bob’s Reflections newsletter series , which discusses project management, outsourcing, and “intelligent disobedience”, a leadership approach. If you want more of this content, you can subscribe to receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Want to learn more about the topics I talk about in these newsletters? Watch my courses in the LinkedIn Learning Library or check out https://intelligentdisobedience.com/
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People & Culture Consultant ??Career Coach ??Workshop Facilitator ??DISC Certified
7 个月I’ve learned the hard way the problem is never the problem. Sometimes you are dealing with the symptoms, and there’s a difference. Unpacking, sharing, reframing are great tools. Thanks for sharing this. I think I know what to do now with my problem now Bob McGannon ??