Are You a Problem Solver?

Are you a problem solver?  I am!  For most of my life, this has been a source of pride.  Even others have gossiped that I am pretty good at solving problems.

I remember hearing every solution causes a new problem.  I looked at this as a really cool situation; there will always be a problem to solve, and I seem to be good at solving problems. I would love to end this article right now. (My Scared Self is saying you were not able to solve all the problems.)

As I progressed into leading complex organizations, the problems grew beyond what I could solve or sometimes even understand by myself.  

Getting Help

This is when I found the line to toss myself.

“We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”  Albert Einstein

This line causes me to think about the steps in solving problems.  How do I assure I am not using the same thinking that caused the problem, to solve the problem?

Get help.  For me, this was new thinking.  I had this story that my value to others depended on solving my problems and others’ problems all by myself.  And, getting help meant I was not valuable.  Yet, getting help from people who have different experiences, backgrounds, and ways of thinking in different domains of life could make me more valuable.

How Connections Affect Problem Solving

My immediate problem was my connections with knowledgeable people were insufficient.  And, my ability to produce these connections was non-existent.  I realized I could build connections with them so they would want to help me by being helpful to them first.  And I could not give them ordinary help, but rather uncommon help that enabled them to live a thriving life.  

“Great solutions come from integrating your ideas with those of others to find a better solution. Excellent problem solvers build networks and know-how to collaborate with other people and teams.” Joe Folkman, Forbes

A New Way of Thinking . . .

I chose to create two questions I have been holding for close to two decades and are the foundation of our weekly workshop, The Arena:

1) How can I build the connections I need to live a thriving life?

2) What offers of help can I create that help others live a thriving life and are valuable enough for them to want to help me?

With the help of these questions, my thinking has shifted when I notice a problem arises. Who can I get help from that is in my network now?  Who in my network may know someone who could help?  And, yes, I still have the urge to solve problems myself.  I am guessing I will always have that in my background.

When I notice someone working to solve a problem, I toss the line of Albert Einstein’s quote and ask if they are using the same thinking that created the problem.

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