Where do good solutions come from?

Did you know that good solutions can come from anywhere and anyone?

I believe that is true. Let me give you an example of why I believe it is true and why it may not happen as much in your organization.

You may ask; why is it that solutions can come from anywhere or anyone?

Number one, if you are too close to the trees you can not see the forest. In other words many of us take ownership in something that we’ve created for example your business. Sadly, when things are going wrong or are not going as well as they could be, we don’t want to let it go of our own ideas and plans.

Number two, it is the people that have ‘no skin in the game’ that will look differently at the issue and thus be able to see solutions more easily. In other words many of us are very poor solution finders due to our connection to the business/organization. Yes, that is a very hard statement for many people to accept.

I also believe that many of us do not know how to come up with solutions. because we fail to understand that there is a process to it. In other words many people may not realize that there is a process in coming up with great solutions and it comes from decision making.

Here are the steps in good decision-making;

• Recognize that there is a problem.
• See the problem as an opportunity for growth.
• Gather relevant information about the problem that will help in the decision.
• Analyze what is going on and look for alternate ways of action to remedy the situation. Remember this is not finding a solution yet.
• Develop a list of options, by looking outside the box of your current way of thinking. In other words be creative about how you would like the solution to be.
• Evaluate the alternatives for practicability, suitability and attractiveness.
• Select the preferred solution.
• Put a plan in place with those who need to implement the solution and take action.

Will you use this in the next week to come up with a good solution?