They Found Out Problem Solving | Albert Einstein
Channel: motivation today
Date: 2022-10-27

These wise words were spoken by Albert Einstein and represent the first hurdle we face when it comes to solving problems. I have seen it time and time again: when people try to solve problems, the solution they come up with usually makes things harder than they were before. You’ve probably experienced this yourself. Let’s say there is a problem with an internal form in your organization. What is the solution to this problem, more often than not? Another form that you need to fill out before or after that form

The form-upon-form problem illustrates the first mistake we make when we try to solve problems. Problems are like onions, they are layered. Under every problem is often another problem, and another below that. More often than not, we are not attempting to solve the correct problem. Ask yourself, and your team, “Why are we trying to solve this problem?” When given justification, ask “Why is this a problem?” On the surface this may seem silly and circular, but if you or your team cannot reasonably justify the root of the problem, then you are trying to solve the wrong problem.

Once our true problem is discovered, we’re ready to find a solution. The right solution. This is the hard part. For every problem there are endless solutions. Many are bad, some are good, fewer are great and one is the best. Do not be fooled by what seems to be the perfect solution, though, for it is almost never the right solution for the problem. This may seem ludicrous, but the “perfect” solution is often unattainable for many reasons – time, money, manpower and politics to name a few. It oftentimes has too many hurdles and roadblocks. You will become paralyzed, and all progress will stagnate trying to implement it.

Stephen Covey, the author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, once said “The way we see the problem is the problem.” You have to establish the right problem. Then remember that problem solving is a continuous cycle. There is no end. Some of your solutions will succeed, others will fail. Even the good solutions will reach a point where they are no longer effective. Accept this and embrace the cycle. Do the best you can at that very moment with what you have, and then take all the experience and knowledge you’ve gained and do better with it the next time. And, without a doubt, there will be a next time.

#motivation #motivationwords #alberteinstein