Ever notice when it comes to solving real-world problems, motivational cliches, like “Turn your lemons into lemonade,” don’t seem to get the job done. Here’s why.

As problems raise their ugly heads, we’re actually faced with a powerful opportunity. We can try to quickly fix the problem and move on, or we can step back, take a deep breath and try a different approach.

Here’s the problem with problem solving. When we only focus on fixing the problem, we overlook the opportunity to innovate – and possibly come up with a solution that could eliminate or change a faulty process. We might also miss an opportunity to take our productivity to a whole new level.

Positive thinking is all well and good but, in times of difficulty, we need a dose of positive doing. Expecting to be able to solve problems and resolve issues is fine and dandy, but developing new techniques for solving them is what’s needed. Today’s problems won’t be solved with yesterday’s solutions.

Standard problem-solving techniques often fall short and frequently stifle innovative thinking. They’re designed to get us back to the status quo. I’d suggest it might not be all that beneficial to go back to where we were before. Remember, if we keep doing what we’re doing, we’ll keep getting what we’re getting.

Let me offer a suggestion. The next time you’re faced with a problem, instead of just trying to fix it , look for innovative ways to resolve it, and improve a process at the same time. Get a different perspective on the issue from someone you trust. Get a second or third opinion. Most of our real problems aren’t tactical – meaning they don’t require immediate action. Take a little time to think through the issue.

We now have a very diverse workplace, filled with men and women with equally diverse backgrounds, experience and expertise. Why not tap into that resource to help solve problems or resolve issues?

Why not shake things up a little? Start by establishing the expectation that innovative, creative problem solving is the norm, not the exception. Instead of focusing on putting out the fire and getting back to work, take a broader perspective. In today’s marketplace, just fixing problems without finding ways to raise the bar will all but guarantee mediocrity.

Raise the bar. Innovate or re-create, instead of just repairing an old and probably faulty process.

Tags: change, create, innovate, opportunities, opportunity, positive thinking, problem, process, recreate, solution, solve

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 10:56 am and is filed under 2010. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.