If you can change the way you look at problems at work, then you can spend less time on some of them. The key is determining your correct level of response and involvement.
This is a smart skill for leaders to embrace. Save time and reduce stress with this tip from the latest episode of our Productivity at Work series.
What Productivity Questions Does This Video Answer?
- How should you look at problems?
- Should all problems receive the same level of response?
- What are the best ways to solve problems at work?
- How should new leaders handle problems at work?
Video Transcript for Change the Way You Look at Problems
Let’s change the way you look at problems at work. As a new leader, I always felt like I had to drop everything to solve any problem that came up. I realized later, I was wasting a lot of time,
that certainly problems needed immediate attention, and some weren’t that important
So I came up with two categories. The first category: This one is for problems that need to be addressed. I call these weeds. Because if you have a weed in the field, you want to pull it up.
Because otherwise over time, it’s going to grow, it’s going to spread, it’s going to cause problems.
An example of a weed, that can be a hole in the roof. Your building has a hole in the roof you want to cover the hole, fix the hole, don’t let it grow.
Because over time, it’s going to get worse. It’s going to cost you more. Bad stuff.
The other problem that we have, I call this one, rain. Rain can be inconvenient, because we don’t always like to get wet. But rain is somewhat temporary. It rains, the skies clear. The rain is done.
An example of a problem is like rain. Let’s say the office upstairs is moving. So for a day, you’re going to hear a lot of moving noises coming through the ceiling. It’s not great, but it’s something you can maybe tolerate for a little while, and then the next day, it’s gone forever. You don’t have to deal with it.
Think about whether your problems are weeds or rain. Because you should be spending most of your time on weeds. Certain things like rain…maybe you can try to do something to fix it, but don’t spend a lot of time because the problem will soon be gone. Give this a try. Change the way you look at problems.
About Ken Okel
As a motivational keynote speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his corporate and association keynote and breakout presentations, visit his video page.
