Problem Solved

Why wait? Go into action – Now!

Matthew, Project Manager for or a full-service mechanical and plumbing contractor in Wilsonville, OR, told Session 10 of Turbo Leadership Systems’ Leadership Development Lab (LDL):

“On April 24, Session 8 of the LDL was conducted at our Wilsonville fabrication shop. My team of seven coworkers and I were challenged to solve one of our process problems following the LDL formula:

1. State the problem
2. Brainstorm all possible causes of the problem
3. Brainstorm all possible solutions to the problem
4. Agree on the best solution
5. Decide first action steps

“The problem statement we tackled was: ‘The full scope of new projects is not communicated.’ We quickly worked through a list of possible causes, then we came up with several of possible solutions. We all agreed that the best solution was the creation of a ‘Pre-Job Construction Checklist.’ Then, I was assigned the task of creating the checklist. We agreed on a delivery date of May 17. After thinking a little more about the importance of solving the problem, I decided that I wanted to start it now!

“So, the very next day after work I set down and dug in. I developed the basic structure of the checklist we had envisioned. The next day, I dug around on our company computer looking for any existing resource. I discovered that we have hundreds of different checklists on our server. This was a little overwhelming. I didn’t let it stop me. I jumped in and was able to get the checklist done over a week before I had agreed to start.

“The lesson I learned from this experience is that brainstorming to find solution is just the first step. I need to take the next step; the action step, or the problem won’t get solved and nothing will change.

“The action I call you to take is move forward with that next step – go into action – put your solution into action, so your projects will be completed and problems will be solved.

“The benefit you will gain is all of your problems will be in the rear view mirror. You will move forward with the winning feeling success as you leave problems behind.”

Living in a world where problems persist, where problems drag on and on is dis-empowering. Worse than being dis-empowering, it can lead to a victim mentality. You begin to spiral downward – give in and give up. The reverse is true when you find solutions, take action and put problems behind you. What is one little problem that is bugging you, that you can solve today? Go into action – you may be amazed at the sense of empowerment you feel.