The best way to stop worrying about a problem is to identify it and solve it.
Problems tend to grow if they are not dealt with promptly.
Examine all aspects of a problem fast in an effort to find a rapid solution.
People often work better under pressure. Get it solved as quickly as possible.
Problems tend to multiply and expand when you take your eye off your goal.
A handful of tips to help you solve problems
*What is the real problem?
Define the problem clearly.
Make sure people fully understand and agree on the nature of the problem.
Write it out in short sentences in simple language.
*List possible causes
Discuss the possible causes in detail. Encourage lateral thinking.
The obvious cause is not necessarily the real cause of the problem. Often it is due to personality conflicts and misunderstandings between people, or teams.
*Look for solutions
What will be acceptable?
Generate a list of possible solutions by using a ‘brain-storming’ type session.
When looking for a solution involve people who know about the problem. Include some who don’t. Often they see things through different eyes.
*Choose the best recommendation
Discard all impractical solutions.
Discuss all the practical recommendations and their implications.
Decide on the best solution.
*Plan the actions to be taken and decide how they will be implemented
Never take your leader a problem unless you can suggest a possible solution.
If you tackle the hard problems first usually the easy ones go away.
Appoint competent, experienced people to make any changes needed. If they have been involved in solving the problem they will be more supportive.
–Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)
“Problems can become opportunities when you bring the right teams together.”
Source: “Training Secrets” published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand and Cengage Learning Asia. Also available as an eBook from Amazon.com.
Another Handful of Tips 