Problem Solver

Background

This past week, I had presentations in both Nashville, TN and Omaha, NE. The audiences were very different but much of the message was the same. We discussed Problem Solving and how to be a better Problem Solver.

Problems

At its core, a problem is a situation, condition, or question that presents some difficulty, uncertainty, or conflict. It requires a solution, decision or answer. In our personal life, a problem can be anything that causes a concern or inconvenience. It needs to be addressed. In the business world, a problem often represents a gap between the current state and desired outcome. That gap is what leads to innovation, growth, or success. That gap represents an opportunity.

Teams

Ultimately, Teams exist to solve problems. Whether in business, or in the military, the team is brought together to work towards a common goal, to accomplish a mission, to solve a problem. They come together to solve the main problem and must solve several other/smaller problems along the way. The biggest and hardest problems cannot be solved alone. They require a group of people with different yet complimentary skills and shared values, working together towards the goal. That’s what a team is and why it exists.

Most businesses are started because a ‘founder’ (Entrepreneur) who identifies a problem in the market. It’s either a new problem, or an old one they can solve ‘better.’ They believe they can solve it (with help from a team), and the solution will be valuable to the customer.

Military teams exist to solve high stakes problems related to national security. The customer is the US taxpayer, and the customer is willing to pay the soldier, sailor, airmen, or marine to go solve the problem. The stakes are higher, but the principles are the same.

Even Sports teams solve problems. Their customers are the fans. Their job is to play well, win games, and entertain us. The result? Engagement, loyalty, and various commercial opportunities such a ticket sales, concessions, and TV deals.

Solving an unexpected problem while working on the main problem.

Opportunities

The bigger, more complicated problems are harder to solve. The solutions to these problems are harder to find or provide. That means that fewer people/teams can provide them. That also means that they are more valuable. So, the bigger the problem, the more valuable the solution. To create more value, solve bigger problems. The work will be hard, but anything worthwhile will be hard. Otherwise, everyone else would do it. If everyone can do something, it’s not that valuable.

Valuable

One of the best ways to increase your value to the team, is to be good at solving problems. To be good at solving problems, you must build relationships. Those relationships must be built on a foundation of trust. It’s also helpful to have a process (steps to follow), a few pillars to rely on (values), and most importantly: develop an IDENTITY as one of the very few who can solve real problems. Each of these is described further below:

Steps

How do teams solve problems? Problem solving requires combination of mindset, skill, and even a process. Here’s a simple framework:

Recognize the Problem – Notice the gaps between current & desired outcome.
Define the Problem – Articulate the problem and its scope.
Generate Solutions – ID various options and courses of action.
Evaluate & Decide – ID pro’s/con’s, risks, etc. & choose best path forward.
Implement – Take decisive action to implement chosen solution.
Review & Improve – Assess what worked / didn’t work, iterate and improve!

Pillars

Solving problems will also require one or all the following traits or Core Values: Teamwork, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Tenacity. There are other traits that help, but these are the main ones in my book.

Teamwork: Solving problems by leveraging different and overlapping skills. Collaborating well together because of shared values. Communicating every step of the way. All woven together by trust.
Creativity: New ways of doing things, or old approaches applied to different situations. Finding unconventional but effective solutions. Thinking beyond the obvious for better ways of doing things.
Critical Thinking: Disciplined evaluation of information and data, identifying assumptions, and drawing sound conclusions. Focus on what’s real and will work!
Resourcefulness: Adapting quickly to uncertain and challenging situations while using the resources they have (stewardship) and taking initiative! Resourcefulness is your best resource!
Tenacity: Persistent determination to push through obstacles and keep going especially when it’s hard. This separates the real problem solvers from the excuse makers!

Identity

The steps of problem solving, along with the pillars (Values) are mostly obvious. What sets the real problem solvers apart from others is an IDENTITY. Problem solving is not just a skill-set – it’s a mindset!

The problem solver plans but doesn’t fall in love with the plan. They know that planning takes place in a vacuum and finding the solution will be harder than anticipated. The problem solver expects problems and anticipates challenges along the way. They do some contingency planning for these roadblocks in advance. The problem solver knows they cannot anticipate all obstacles or roadblocks but moves forward with the confidence that if they don’t know the answer, they will find it! The problem solver is someone who sees challenges not just as obstacles but as opportunities to create new solutions or improve on the status quo. The problem solver gets back up when he or she falls or fails. They know that set-backs are part of the process, not steps to be avoided. The problem solver knows what the problem is but is more focused on the solution. They know there is a solution to be found, even if it’s not immediately obvious. The problem solver doesn’t waste time blaming others, blaming circumstances, or making excuses. They take ownership of the process and look for answers. The problem solver is calm under pressure. They embrace the pressure as a privilege and are grateful for the opportunity to be one of the few who can solve the problem. The problem solver is more worried about getting it right than being right. They welcome input and feedback from others on the team. The problem solver gets back to basics when all else fails. They remember the mission, the vision, the values and/or the standards… they know who they are and why they do what they do! That’s why they keep going after others have quit! The problem solver ultimately takes on a challenge even when the solution is not apparent or obvious and moves forward knowing they will find a way, or make a new one!

To go fast, go alone. To go far, go TOGETHER!

Summary

Ultimately, teams exist to solve problems and accomplish missions or objectives. They are brought together to solve the big problem (or main problem) and then must solve all the little problems along the way. They come together because someone identified a problem that couldn’t be solved alone. The big problems require a team. The bigger the problem, the greater the opportunity – because the solution is harder to come and more valuable. The best teams are the best at solving problems. The best teammates are the ones with the skills, traits, and IDENTITY required to solve the biggest problems!

Entrepreneur?