How to Transform Pesky Problems into Energizing Goals
“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” ~ Albert Einstein
The Decision that Lifted Me from Chaos to Clarity
Tired of the 2020 chaos? Covid-19 and other simultaneous 2020 societal, financial, political, and climate crises have sapped our energy. Sapped our lifestyle. Sapped our businesses. The problem-solving process I am going to share with you reenergized me.
A few months ago, I decided to stop staring zombie-like at my television and computer screens discover the latest distressing updates that were mostly out of my control. Instead, I decided to take some productive actions within my control which has made a huge difference with creating some order in the midst of the chaos. I decided to be an optimistic Creator rather than a pessimistic Reactor to my life circumstances. It has made a huge difference in my business and personal wellbeing. The process I followed can yield similar results for you.
In April I sat down with a low-tech piece of paper and pen in hand and began answering the problem-solving questions that I learned as a student and instructor for Dale Carnegie Systems. The process that I am about to share is adapted from Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. It’s a process that I have used successfully for the past 30 years as a project manager, business owner, and business consultant.
Basic Steps for Effective Problem-Analysis
Before I share with you the specific steps that I used to get out of my funk, these are the overreaching basic steps for “Strengthening Your C.O.A.R.TM” through effective problem analysis:
-
Clarify—Gather the facts
- Go directly to the source of the issue to discover the facts (don’t trust hearsay).
- Clarify the issue by gathering all the facts you can (the pieces of the puzzle).
- Gather any puzzle pieces you may be missing from others who have them.
-
Organize—Analyze the facts
- Understand what the facts are telling you and where they are leading you.
- Organize the puzzle pieces to see the clear picture of the problem and possible solutions… As with a puzzle, start by assembling the edges, similar patterns, common colors, etc.
- Look for patterns materializing from the chaos that may be pointing to possible solutions and actions.
-
Act—Arrive at a decision—and then act on that decision
- Identify what the best solution or goal is for moving forward.
- Make an informed decision, and once it’s made, don’t question your decision.
- Spring to action as quickly as possible to transform the energy.
-
Realize Results—Monitor progress and adjust the solution or goal as necessary
-
- Scan the circumstances and environment for any deviations to your plan.
- Determine any missing pieces that need to be added to the puzzle.
- Adjust your solutions or goal to match the new circumstances.
The 5 Problem-Solving Questions
Here are 5 problem-solving questions that can help you transform any pesky problem into an energizing goal quickly and easily:
- What is the problem?
- What are causes of the problem?
- What are all possible solutions?
- What is the best solution(s)?
- What action(s) will you take?
Now, let’s look at how to use the problem-solving questions.
Problem-Solving Example
“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.”
~ Charles Kettering
Below is an example of how I applied the 5 problem-solving questions to my Covid-19 related business problem several months ago:
1. What is the problem?
Our business income has decreased significantly this year because of Covid-19.
2. What are causes of the problem?
-
- The Covid-19 pandemic restrictions has limited in-person contact.
- Many services that I have provided in the past (i.e., strategic planning, meeting facilitation, leadership training and coaching, and speaking, etc.) have been delivered in-person.
- Many businesses that typically require my services have delayed these services until after the Covid-19 restrictions have been safely lifted.
3. What are all the possible solutions?
-
- Receive federal stimulus package financial relief.
- Update the Business Energizers™ website to reflect our new normal.
- Reengage with current and past clients to see how I can best serve them.
- Increase my online presence to attract new clients
- Develop effective online group facilitation tools, techniques, and skills
- Learn how to use virtual meeting platforms effectively
- Publish my new “Strengthen Your C.O.A.R. Guidebook”
- Create online webinars and training programs designed to “Strengthen Your C.O.A.R.”
- Write compelling social media posts/articles
- Write compelling newsletter articles with valuable resources and offerings
- Stay tuned in, tapped in, turned on to my inner guidance for next steps
4. What is the best solution(s)? (Note: I chose a combination)
-
- Increase my online internet presence to attract new clients
- Receive any appropriate government stimulus money that is offered
- Stay tuned in, tapped in, turned on to my inner guidance for next steps
5. What action(s) will you take?
-
- Increase my online presence to attract new clients
- Purchase the necessary hardware and software for internet work
- Update the Business Energizers™ website to reflect our new normal
- Learn how to use the different virtual meeting platforms effectively
- Become proficient with online meeting facilitation, training, presentations, and coaching
- Social media outreach
- Create online virtual services and product opportunities… etc.
- Increase my online presence to attract new clients
Hopefully, my example helps you to address a problem you are presently facing.
During these past several months, I have been enjoying focusing energy on my action plan. I am feeling more productive and less distracted even with all the chaos. It was fun seeing my new Business Energizers™ website go live last week https://lynray.wpengine.com/. What do you think?
Enjoy transforming your pesky problems into energizing goals.
Much success and fulfillment,
Ray