The Most Common Problem with Problem Solving
Every person, group, and relationship has them. As much as we want to do things that are right all the time, there are still going to be problems. And problems need to be solved.
Meetings are held. Conversations are had. But, when all is said and done, the problem is still there.
Admittedly, there are countless reasons why the problem does not get solved. Each situation is different, and I know this post is painting with a broad brush. Still, I think there is one common reason why many problems do not get solved.
What is it? We talk about the problem instead of solving the problem.
We name the problem. We mention that there is a problem. We talk about how bad the problem is…
…and then we dismiss or leave, thinking we have taken care of things.
But the one thing that has not been done is actually laying out a plan to solve the problem, which was the intended purpose.
Just think about the latest squabble in your house, or about a lingering issue at work. Is the problem still there because, for days (weeks? months?) people have just talked about the fact that a problem exists, but no one has stepped up with a plan to actually solve it? I think, if we are honest, we will find that to be the case more often than not.
Now, this post would not be complete if I didn’t share how to solve this problem.
The solution should be very clear, though. It is simply to never leave a meeting or discussion without coming up with an action step that leads toward a solution.
You may not solve the problem all the way through, but you are also not just tabling the problem until the next meeting, when you will mention that the problem is still there. Something–anything–that can be done to move toward a solution is better than just talking around the issue.
So the next time you have a problem to discuss as a couple, family, congregation, eldership, business, or any other group, resolve that you will not leave the discussion without laying out a “next step.” It may not be the final step, but it will at least be a step in the right direction: the direction of a solution.
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AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
Photo background credit: Luigi Mengato on Creative Commons
