Problem must have Solution

Every organization has problems that come up daily, weekly, and monthly. These problems can cost money and be expensive. These problems also take up time. These problems also can lead to negative behavior if not dealt with promptly and properly with effective communication and drive towards a positive solution.

So how do you deal with these problems when they come up? You want to be sure to clearly hear the problem but yet not create a culture where complaining about problems all day is acceptable.

Solution to this problem: When a person brings up a problem, they must also propose a solution! This is positive in so many ways! One, the person now has a sense of empowerment and feels like part of the answer. Two, it eliminates all the useless complaining that can happen (especially with negative people or just complainers) and you are left with the real problems. In other words, it filters out the real problems from the ones that maybe are not even a problem. Third, teamwork is improved and a culture of "doing" rather than "saying" is entrenched.

I heard a story on problem solving that stuck with me:

1. First, figure out a way to get the cow off the road
2 Second, figure out how the cow out of the fenced pasture
3. Third, figure out a way to never have the cow get out again

Next time someone brings you a problem, demand a solution as well.