Corporate America Launches New Problem Solving Methodology
Companies have often struggled with problem solving. Many approaches have been tried over the years – all attempting to instill structure and formalize a process. Yet problems remain. Some linger perpetually, some fade in and out over time, and new ones are always popping up. Many years have passed with no new thinking on problem solving methodology and it is clearly time for something new.
A recent review of critical problem post-mortems across several industries revealed that the current structured approach almost always broke down due to being overly contrived and in conflict with human nature. For this reason, a new approach has been developed with an emphasis on leveraging natural inclinations.
Here is an overview of how it works:
“Decline the Problem”
Research has shown that the single most difficult part of problem solving is actually solving the problem. Therefore, to avoid getting bogged down in unfruitful endeavors, it is best to avoid the whole “problem” mentality altogether. There are several techniques available but they all boil down to a single common behavior – pretending like the problem does not exist.
“Understate the Current Situation”
In the event that a problem cannot be completely denied, downplay its importance to the most minor consequence possible. With a little practice, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to rationalize how not solving a problem makes more sense than solving it. For best effect, be sure to use data (preferably the kind that no-one can check for validity).
“Misidentify Causes”
If difficulties are encountered ignoring or marginalizing a problem, then it is time to find causes. People in positions of power the world over have known for ages that the roots of most problems lie with the messenger. Follow their lead and launch a new episode of the blame game with the reporter targeted finger-point-blank in your sites. He or she is most likely a whiney malcontent groping for something to complain about or simply misstating information due to having no real understanding of the way things work.
“Act Surprised and Find a Solution”
At this point, one of two things is true. Either the nonexistent/trivial problem has gone unnoticed and everything is fine or the business is crumbling due to an out of control process. Guess what? It looks like that pesky non-problem bug that was biting at your butt metamorphosed into a monster that just chomped off both glutei maximi in their entirety. But now is not the time for panic. Just act like there was never any indication that a potential problem ever existed. Oh, and by the way, this is the perfect time to come up with some sort of solution.
“Step up for Credit”
Once a solution is finally in place, make sure that credit is given where credit is due. Translation: make sure that you yourself are fully recognized for pulling the activity out of a nearly catastrophic situation.
As you can see, this new approach is masterfully natural and requires little (or no) training. So toss those tired old cumbersome methods away and embrace the new program. Just remember – Decline, Understate, Misidentify, Act Surprised, and Step up (or turn it into a catchy acronym for easy recall). The path to problem solving euphoria is finally before us.
