Some problems are the equivalent of a shot glass while others are more like mega gulps. Your challenge is to understand how to address each one.
Too often, you approach every challenge the same way. This results in either the big problems being ignored or little ones being allowed to thrive, like weeds.
Not understanding the size and scope of your challenges will kill your productivity. To Clear the Path of all problems, big and small, consider these steps:
Understand the Impact
A copier being jammed by a piece of paper could be considered a small problem. But if it happens frequently, then it has a much larger footprint.
Living with this challenge has an ongoing impact until someone either fixes or replaces the machine. The danger is that you can become accustomed to these, “little problems,” and forget how much time they eat up.
To prevent this familiarity, imagine that an outsider were to come into your organization, like a visitor to your home. Are there things, like a toilet that doesn’t flush, that would embarrass you? In this scenario, you wouldn’t hesitate to address the problem.
Little problem won’t bring your business to its knees but they will slow you down. Why allow this solvable situation to continue?
Don’t Let Size Intimidate
We tend to put big problems on a pedestal and find a bunch of excuses why we can’t solve them. The size intimidates us and you may feel like everything else has to be perfect before you can take care of it.
Your doctor is probably familiar with this situation. While there may be nothing more important than your health, going to the doctor, when you know that something is wrong, can be a challenge. You can come up with lots of excuses why you don’t immediately seek out help for what’s a concern.
To change this perspective, add some urgency to the problem. Ask yourself, “How much worse off will I be if I do nothing about this problem today? Am I willing to continue to pay that price and what might I lose if I continue to choose inaction?”
Let your answers help you prioritize the challenges you need to address as soon as possible.
Use the Correct Tool
Too many of us don’t use the right tool when it comes to solving a problem. Think of it like trying to use a shot glass to empty a full bathtub. You can make progress but it will take a tremendous amount of time to get the job done.
Longtime readers of this blog will remember that I’ve had similar experiences with car jacks and learned that my flimsy jack was no match for the professional’s tool.
Sometimes the tool is a matter of people power. Have you ever had a challenge that required an “all hands on deck response?” While it may be romantic to see everyone focused on a single task, you have to realize that you have most of them doing something outside of their normal duties.
So you went for a short term fix, by getting more help, that could have long term implications in that less overall work gets done.
Why not bring in outside help, like interns or temporary workers, to take on the challenge, instead of having your regular staff take it on? While there may an initial cost, you won’t see the ripple effect of a productivity loss from your team.
Bottom Line
Solving problems requires thoughtful consideration and ruthless action. Otherwise, the challenge will continue to live, rent free, on your bottom line.
Holiday Bonus
At this time of year, many of you are going to see performances of The Nutcracker. I thought you might enjoy one of my most popular articles, which is about 7 Secrets of the Nutcracker. It’s a great thing to read before you go to the ballet or movie, especially if it’s your first time.
