Five Reasons You Haven't Solved That Problem

Every business has problems. Low sales, a team that just doesn’t gel, a product defect, a bad hire, gaps in customer service - the problems range from large to small. Yet, they can slow progress and keep your business from growing. 

We all know problems don’t typically resolve themselves. And yet many problems just linger inside organizations. Do you have one like that? The problem that has been around a while. The problem that is creating more problems. The problem that is EXPENSIVE - financially, temporally, or emotionally.

In my work solving critical people challenges for life-science and technology companies, I’ve discovered some common themes when it comes to problem solving. There are five reasons to explain why most people haven’t solved a pressing problem … even though they want to solve it. My guess is at least one of these reasons will resonate with you:

You haven't acknowledged or named it as a problem. Is there a problem facing your business or your team that you just don’t want to name? If it’s a problem, recognize it and label it as such. It might be awkward because it puts some person or team - maybe you - in the spotlight. But it has to be done.

You don't think you can solve it. Is the problem so massive, difficult or overwhelming you’ve convinced yourself it’s insurmountable? As a result, you declare the problem “unsolvable” and turn your attention to the problems you can solve. But remember what Henry Ford said: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”

You don't understand why it is happening. This may be the most common reason problems don't get solved. The five whys method works to help you get to a root cause. If you don’t know this method or want a refresher, here’s an entertaining video that brings it to life. Don’t stop asking “why” until you get to the root.

You don't have the knowledge or resources. Is it time to bring in outside experts who can help you solve this particular problem? Or to study how someone else solved the same problem? Someone, somewhere has figured it out. You don’t necessarily have to invent a solution; you can just find it.

You think you are supposed to live with it. The French say, “C’est la vie” (that’s life). The Japanese say, “Shō ga nai” (it can’t be helped). At some point did you decide this problem was just your fate? It’s not. Respect yourself, rediscover your power, and get to work.

As you read through this list of reasons, what problem or problems came to mind that you have been tolerating? Are they draining resources, including energy? In other words, are they expensive? If so, I hope these ideas help you step back and make real progress in solving them.