How to Take Control of Problems
The problem is never the problem. The problem is a symptom. People call them problems when they don’t know how to think about the issue.
If you want to be in control of your problems, think about outcomes, not problems. Outcomes take us somewhere we want to go. Problems mire us in today or yesterday. Thinking about problems has us wallowing in self-pity, or worse, blame. Thinking about what we want vs. what we don’t want moves us into a positive future and gives us confidence. Try it!
Think about a situation, business or personal, you would like to fix. Look at the Problem Questions below and think about your answers. You might even write them down.
When you’re done answering the Problem Questions, how do you feel? do you feel better? Have you fixed the situation? Unlikely. But all too often this is the way we approach ourselves or others when there is a problem.
Problem Questions
- What’s wrong?
- Why do you have this problem?
- How does this limit you?
- What does this problem stop you from doing that you want to do?
- Whose fault is it that you have this problem?
- When is the worst time you have experienced this problem?
- How long have you had it?
Now, look at the following Outcome Questions. Consider your answers to them and write them down.
How do you feel now? Are you closer to understanding what needs to happen to fix the situation?
Outcome Questions
- What do you want?
- When do you want it?
- How will you know that you have it?
- When you get what you want, what else will improve?
- What resources do you have available to help you?
- How could you use obstacles that might get in the way to tell you what to do next?
- How should you begin to get what you want?
This technique of looking at outcomes vs. problems can be used in every aspect of life. Try it with an employee the next time one comes to you with a “problem”. Try it with your children. I believe you’ll find it very powerful.
image courtesy of amagill
