The Single Best Way to Solve Problems!

The Rumor is That You're Great at

Solving the Wrong Problems

I’m a Great Problem Solver

Are you one of the innumerous persons that puts “problem solver” or “problem solving” on your résumé or LinkedIn account?   Or possibly in an interview - when asked what type of person you are - you proudly boast that you are a great problem solver!

I’m Great at Solving the Wrong Problems

I have to say good for you and that you are in great company. But - if you’re like most - you’re often solving the wrong problems.  You just made a better VCR or got horses to run faster.  Faster horses you say?  Henry Ford is often quoted as saying, "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses."  Apparently they weren't begging for a Bentley rolling on dubs.  

Don’t Listen to What People Tell You They Want!!! Or do We?!?

Some people take this as customer feedback is irrelevant or too distorted.  Who asked for Facebook?  However, what I take from this statement is you must ask the right questions.  People often will - likely because they have to - answer with something they are familiar with or that came from their own imagination.  

To solve someone’s problem you need to address his or her pains then find the problem….not solve the pains from preconceived notions or the person’s restricted knowledge base.  Often the initial solution to the pain only cures the symptom.  We all know that taking ibuprofen for a sore back does not solve the problem, but we use that mentality elsewhere.      

I’m a Great Problem Finder

So, what you need to be first is a problem finder.  You do not want to solve somebody’s problem of getting to work on time by getting them a faster horse.  Or even by building a Model T.  Give them the Internet and a computer and eliminate the problem of them even needing to go to work.

Ask Questions

How is this done?  By asking questions of course.  Be the problem finder!  What types of questions?  That is for another post, but start by asking "why" 5 times for each problem you encounter.  That will get you more information then just about any other method.


Enthusiastically scribbled by, 
Jason Riemens