“Problem (n): a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome”
With fall approaching, we are likely all in a season of some type of transition, whether that be back to school or to the workplace. While these transitions can be exciting, they can also present us with different and new challenges that need to be addressed. Problems will inevitably need to be solved, but before jumping into problem solving, it is important to have an understanding of what a problem is. We all have problems from our past, current problems, and potential problems we might face in the future. When considering this, we quickly realize that problems are inevitable, but they also do not last forever. By identifying past problems, we realize we have the ability to overcome problems and that problems come and go.
What are some problems you have overcome in the past?
What are some problems you are currently dealing with?
What are some problems you might face in the future?
Knowing that problems are inevitable, it is important to learn the most effective approach to solving them. Let’s learn how to “FLIP” our problems into solutions:
FIGURE OUT what the problem is and what you want
Before we try to solve a problem, we need to identify what we would like the end result to be to ensure it is something we can realistically attain.
Ex: Problem-overwhelmed by work due to being behind on deadlines; Desire-get caught up on work
LIST all possible solutions
Listing out ALL possible solutions (“The good, bad, and ugly”) allows us to see and compare our options and consider potential results.
Ex: Quit, Blame team member for incomplete project, Ask for extension on deadline, Delegate appropriate tasks to team members, Break up the task into smaller parts and prioritize
IDENTIFY the best solution
Once all solutions are listed, eliminate the worst options & use what is left to create the plan in the final step.
Ex: Quit, Blame team member for incomplete project,
#1. Break up the task into smaller parts and prioritize #2. Delegate appropriate tasks to team members #3. Ask for extension on deadline
PLAN when and where to use this strategy
It is important to not only identify the who, what, when, where, & how of our solution, but also consider potential barriers & brainstorm ways to overcome them.
Ex: If I am unable to make sufficient progress from M-W of this week on my own, I will ask Joey and Miranda for assistance on Thursday. If we are unable to complete the task by Friday, I will ask my boss for an extra week to complete
