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The only thing that every
problem has is a solution.
"Try, try,
till you succeed" is one way of solving a problem, used successfully by
Robert Bruce and now followed by all of us when we are in a spot. He who
shows the way is a leader. This applies to problems solving too.
An
absence of problems would take the spice out of life. Can you imagine how
dull and drab life would be without problems? We better ourselves with
each problem that we overcome. Our faculties are put to good use when we
solve a problem. And we build a wealth of experience to draw from when
faced with similar problems later on.
Remember the old
saying, ‘The wise learn from others’ experiences and fools from their
own’. It goes without saying that problem solving by others could aid you
in a similar situation, if you are alert enough to pay attention to how it
is solved. Never let a problem intimidate you. Face any difficult
situation with the assurance that a solution is out there, waiting to be
claimed by you.
The human mind is a powerful tool. Use it to your
advantage and always work towards solutions. This attitude will be
reflected in your speech, actions and words. And the message that goes out
will be a very positive one. It will get you all the support that you
need. But if you let your self-confidence falter, it will show through
easily and that is when the number of people looking towards you for a
solution will dwindle. Everyone wants a strong and focused leader who is
result-oriented. And that might have a further negative effect on you. So
be on your guard and never let your self-confidence waver, whatever the
situation.
Be
objective
Tackle the
problem objectively. Analyse facts about it, pinpoint what went wrong and
why. Ask a lot of questions both to others and yourself. Be ruthlessly
objective and do not let emotions colour your
opinions.
Listen well. Listen carefully to the answers that
the questions posed by you bring in. Therein lies your solution, which you
can arrive at after careful thought.
How important is your
problem?
Give the
problem the credit due to it, neither more nor less. How would one
determine the amount of credit to be attached to any problem? Imagine a
situation where it is not solved, the hypothetical consequences would
answer your question. If you feel that the consequences warrant the
removal of the problem go ahead, or else put it on the back burner and
shift your attention elsewhere.
Break
down into tasks and wherever possible and delegate
Assuming you
choose to solve a problem, identify the tasks to be performed and assign
the tasks to specific people. Give specific requirements and concise
directions. Show the way to arrive at the solution. Showing the right path
is the hallmark of a leader.
However, beware of being
overconfident. Never assume that you yourself are the final authority on
things. Always cross check facts and discuss ideas with other people. The
result may surprise you: facts, even obvious ones, that you missed, may be
pointed out to you.
Implement your
solutions
Once a
solution is decided upon, go ahead and implement it. Many problems remain
unsolved only because of lack of implementation of ideas, which are
otherwise brilliant. If at any point you find the situation out of control
and feel the need for help, never hesitate to ask.
Always
test your solutions and once they are implemented, monitor them. This is
the real test of effectiveness. You may be able to save many a situation
by knowing well in time if something goes wrong. And, needless to say,
such mistakes won’t be repeated in future. |
