PSM #40: Defining the Problem

Defining The Problem discusses the importance of defining the problem before trying to solve what is an ill-defined problem. PSM_#40_Defining_the_Problem.mp3 Listen on Posterous During this last week I met a friend for dinner. We try and meet at least once each month to catch up on what is going on in each of our lives. I have known Steve for 20 years and value his opinions and insights. He is a dear friend. He always has an alternative view or another perspective to consider, and I figure I occasionally offer him some interesting perspectives as well. Reflecting on our conversations and especially the most recent one, I note a few points for discussion. Some points involve the form or the intent of these meetings. Some points are the content, especially from the last meeting. On Form: Validation Conversations with dear friends you respect are key to maintaining a realistic perspective. These conversations either validate what you are thinking or feeling or they can disclose quickly the invalidity of your thinking. Of course, it does help to have a trusted and trusting friendship. Superficial discussion will not be very productive. Perspective Conversations with Steve always offer another perspective. In these discussions, we will discuss one of our situations and invariably the other will provide a different interpretation of the facts, make a different set of assumptions, and suggest a different perspective for consideration. Synergy I have spoken of synergy before in these pod-casts. These conversations invariably result in something that goes beyond either of our insight or understanding, as if a third person distilled the essence of our thoughts and formulated a thought greater than either of us considered. On Content: The Problem Steve and I covered some interesting topics in our last meeting. One was the economy. We talked about the economy, the fallen stock market, the failing banks, the failed corporation, asteroids, the unemployment rate. We went down multiple paths of discussion on each and several times asked the question, "What's the solution to the ...... situation?" We discussed multiple alternatives and the ineffectiveness of each. Steve then identified the real issue, "I don't think we know what the problem is." It certainly does seem that governments, corporations, and enterprises worldwide are taking actions to address a problem that is not clearly defined. Otherwise, it seems to me that some evidence of progress would exist, rather than a reliance on the argument that "things would be worse of we had not done (fill in the blank)". True Value With stock markets failing, 401K accounts at 50% to 60% of their value within the last year, with corporations and employers significantly reducing costs daily to survive, and with a future significantly more uncertain than 1 year ago, I raised the point that the only things we could really count on are the family, the friends, and the relationships we maintain. The Management Message Above, I spoke of validation, perspective, synergy, precise identification of the problem, and true value. In our management role, we need to form relationships with our business associates that provide us true value, providing us validation, a perspective, and a synergy as we address our objectives, solve our problems. And most importantly, we need to be able to precisely identify our problem. Permalink | Leave a comment »