Problem Solving

There is a skill that can differentiate you from your peers. It is a skill that can demand a bigger raise at the end of the year. In fact, if you are really good at it, you and success will be good friends.

What am I talking about? Problem solving.

There are many who have mastered the art of problem finding. They are good at identifying all that is wrong with the office, the organization and the systems and processes that define how the business operates.

Unfortunately, most problem finders have either no interest or ability to immediately become part of the solution. You know these employees. They are the finger pointers, the grumblers - the elite. They will tell you that they didn’t create the problems, so why is it their responsibility to try to fix them?

A true problem solver doesn’t care who is responsible for the problem. They do not go after the responsible party. They look at a problem as something to solve and ultimately conquer. They love to get to the bottom of the issue. They really enjoy the arduous and frustrating iterative process of getting to the root cause.

If you identify with the characteristics of a problem solver, consider yourself among the most valuable and “wanted” in the corporate world. You have a gift that sets you apart. If your company is not taking care of you, go find one that appreciates the tremendous value that you bring to the table.

Even if you are not inherently a problem solver, you can change. You may never really enjoy a good problem, but you can certainly learn to concentrate on the solution and not the problem.