Stop Complaining – Be Part of the Solution

Problem Finders

The world is full of Problem Finders. They are everywhere. In fact, most organizations are staffed to the rafters with people that are extremely adept at finding problems and pointing them out to anyone who will listen. They will point out what is wrong with the leadership, processes, policies, procedures, products, customers, … you name it, they’ll find it. However, when they are asked to suggest a solution, they will often say something like: “I don’t get paid nearly enough for that!”

Problem Solvers

Those who want to be valued as team members that the business cannot live without (and get paid more as a result), need to stop complaining and become part of the extreme minority of… Problem Solvers.

Problem Solvers are rare – white rhinoceros rare. They are those pink diamonds that everyone searches for. The ones that outlast every organizational restructuring and downsizing; the ones that get paid more than anyone else because they are worth it.

How to Become a Problem Solver

How do you join the elite group of Problem Solvers? It’s actually pretty easy, it just takes discipline. Here’s a list that can help you get there:

1. Stop hanging out with Problem Finders and Complainers. You become who you have lunch with. If your work friends are among the worst performers in the business, I guarantee you are (or soon will be) too.
2. Build a ‘TFS’ List (you figure out what the acronym stands for). When you come across a ludicrous process, policy or procedure, either do something about it or work with it. Whining and complaining about it will not make it better. Build your ‘TFS’ list. Prioritize the list with the most ludicrous item at the top. Then get to work getting rid of it or making it work.
3. Use the Magic Question. When you have a problem in front of you, and you need to inspire innovation, motivate creativity or craft a better way, use the magic question: “What does good look like?” This single question has helped me for over 20 years to assist groups in finding solutions and design great strategies. It is simple and it works! Try it and you will be amazed at your results.
4. Be conscious about your Self-Talk. The behaviour you exude when it comes to problems, affects how you’re able to deal with them. With greater awareness comes better decisions. With better decisions come better results.

The answer is simple, yet so many people choose what they think is the easier route, and complain. Be different, stand out, and you’ll see the results are worth the hard work.

Robert Murray is a Vancouver, BC based?Business Strategy Consultant,?#1 Best Selling Author, and?International Keynote Speaker.