Tuesday, December 13, 2011
What Is A Problem?
A simple way to define the word ‘problem’ is: a situation that needs attention. Wikipedia authors describe one as “…any situation that invites resolution.”
That’s a nice way to put it – ‘invites resolution.’
A lot of folks are afraid of the word “problem.” To simply use the word – in relation to you or your business – is considered declaration of some sort of failure.
So, we sugar-coat the situation, re-phrasing it as a ‘challenge’ or ‘opportunity.’
While I support optimism, over-sweetening a situation can prevent people from realizing how bitter the problem may be.
No, don’t cry over spilled milk, instead figure out what knocked it over, and how to avoid spills in the future. Addressing a problem’s root cause – not ignoring it – will allow you to find the solution.
Image Source: Little People Blog
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Paul, I agree with you. The challenge is when organizations hire marketers to help overcome their problems and then shelve all the wonderful recommendations. Now, that’s a bigger problem. :(
Elaine,
Over and over we’re hearing that lack of innovation isn’t due to lack of ideas, rather the lack of follow-thru on ideas.
Paul, I agree with the sentiment, especially as someone who gets on people’s nerves by bein unnecessarily positive. But problems are different beasts to challenges, opportunities, and all those other, perhaps glossier, alternatives. All the more reason to be aware of rebadging! But, I don’t think the problem-solution dichotomy is any better. I think it’s much worse! It’s one type of unproductive to gloss over a problem by calling it an opportunity, but having a good idea and being forced to define the problem you’re solving is even worse! And much more pervasive an issue
JSB,
I’ll have to revisit this idea in future articles. I agree that there is a different way to approach a problem, a challenge, or an opportunity. And, it would be a shame if teams ONLY filtered from a problem point-of-view.
Thanks for taking the time to add your thoughts!
Years ago my sister shared a line from a movie that said, “It’s not a problem, it’s a situation.” I’ve often thought about that line (and tried to remember what movie it was from). I think it really invites creativity and progress. What a great way to look at challenges that arise from day to day. Thanks for sharing this!
Karen,
I *love* this idea! A situation is a great way to frame any… situation. It’s non-judgmental. Gives it all a chance to be examined before it is categorized. Thanks!
I like to simplify…a problem is a question that needs answers…I do not think it can be simplified further but in the same time I believe it catches the essence of what a problem is.