Solving the problem is easy - once you understand the problem!
We are all looking for solutions to our many problems.
"Read the Question." Those words were emblazoned at the top of the first page of my
chemistry test. Unfortunately I failed to heed the warning. Instead I jumped in and tried
to solve each problem as quickly as possible. After all isn't that what many of us do?
Turning in the exam and walking out of the room, I smiled at how easy it had been. When I got the test back, I did not smile. The problem was that I had not read each question carefully and there were a number of trick questions which were placed on the test to measure the our knowledge of the subject and also to train us to think clearly.
In problem solving we often fail to read the question carefully, listen
clearly to what others say, or take the time to fully consider all aspects of
the problem. Our problems in technology, business, religion, government, and personal relationships fail to be solved because we do not read the questions properly.
As a result we try to solve problems by treating symptoms without ever facing up to the
real problem. We are often like the child who finds a hammer and believes
everything in the house needs to be hammered. We look for a solution before we understand the problem. Then when we find one solution we run
around using it to solve every problem whether or not it is appropriate.
We need to first read the question and
understand the real problem. Once we are able to define the problem clearly,
the solution or solutions become obvious.
It is not solving problems that is hard; it is in understanding the true problem.
The biggest example can be seen in bureaucracies. There are some
in governments that believe the solution to every problem is regulation. So they want to regulate technology, business,
healthcare, the economy, and relationships. Government regulation
is the hammer and everything must be hammered.
But, in our own businesses, churches, and personal relationships we have a similar practice. We keep looking around for that
magic hammer that will solve our problems. We attend webinars, conferences, and read
every new book looking for the thing that worked for someone else, then try to apply it to
our particular problem. We do this without a careful understanding of our individual problem.
Before we buy that new course or apply that hot program, we must be introspective and look at ourselves and understand our specific issues. Then we can pick the proper solution that applies to our situation.
You cannot solve a problem if you do not understand the
problem. But if you fully understand it and can clearly state the issues, the
solution or solutions will usually become obvious. Then we can pick the one best suited for the issues we face.
