Your ability to focus and change your perspective is the two most important skill you can develop to succeed in your career and in your life. When a crisis hits, your ability to quickly move to a solution-oriented mindset will directly affect the longevity of the perceived problem.  Today I want to discuss ways to do just that.

A Systematic Process
The key to effective problem solving and decision-making is to go through the process systematically.  Whether you prefer to work through issues by yourself, or brainstorm with other people, these 5 steps will get you started on the right track.

1. Define the Problem Clearly
   At the onset, ask the question, “What exactly is the problem?” Clarity of definition will resolve 50% of the issues before they go any further.  Sometimes problems aren’t what they seem on the surface.  Many times, it is our perception that has us in a tizzy.  Look for the real issue, and try to find the positive aspects, even if it’s just that this is a lesson to be learned.  You might be surprised at how many times the issue isn’t as big as what you’re making of it.
2. Focus on the Future
   When discussing a problem, be sure to focus on the future rather than the past. Ask the question, “Where do we go from here?” “What are our options?” Too many problem-solving discussions/meetings end up focusing all of the attention of all the people present on what happened in the past and who is to blame. The effective business owner or manager focuses on where the company and the individuals are going, and what can happen in the future - the only part of the equation over which anyone has any control anyway.
3. Think and Talk About the Solutions
   Whenever the issue comes to your mind, change your focus to the solution, or the desired result.  When someone asks you about the problem, talk about the solution.  Continuing to think or talk about the problem will only serve to prevent you from finding and realizing the solution.
4. Increase Creativity
   The discussion of solutions is inherently positive, uplifting, and has a tendency to release creativity amongst a group. A discussion of problems is inherently negative, de-motivating, and tends to inhibit creativity.  So when you’re discussing your situation, be sure to do so from an “I’m looking for solutions, here,” perspective, not a “listen to my woes,” attitude.  Be careful not to discuss your problems with people you know can’t or won’t help you.
5. Think Positive
   You can become a positive thinker simply by becoming a solution-oriented person rather than a problem-oriented person. If you get everyone in your organization thinking and talking in terms of solutions, you will be astonished at the quality and quantity of ideas that will emerge.

Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to become a better problem solver and decision maker.

1. Take some time to be absolutely clear about the problem that is under discussion. Give some thought to what an ideal decision or solution would accomplish. Instead of focusing on the situation as it is, talk about the situation as you would like it to be.
2. Keep the conversation focused on solutions, on what can be done in the future. The more you think and talk about solutions, the more positive and creative everyone will be and the better ideas you will come up with.

Until next time,
Live joyfully!

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Posted under Motivation