This question is valuable to answer both in the personal and business context:
Are we solving or feeding our problems?
We often jump to the solution without patiently understanding the problem.
Here are a few examples for some context:
I need more storage space in my house!
Maybe the problem is that there is much clutter and stuff I don’t need. So, the better solution could be to throw away unwanted stuff.
I need a high-spec laptop!
Maybe the problem is that I keep many applications open at once. So, the better solution could be to learn to close the unwanted applications on the laptop.
We need a new ERP for our business!
Maybe the problem is that the existing ERP is not kept up to date. So, the better solution could be to upgrade and retrain the staff on the existing ERP.
I need new clothes because my existing clothes are too tight on me!
Maybe the problem is that I have put on a few kilos. So, the better solution could be to follow a diet and exercise plan.
You get the point!
If we do not pay attention (e.g, ask peers, mentors, consultants and people we trust), we may continue to feed our problems rather than solve them.
Consider the problems you are solving presently. Do you know enough about the root cause of the problem? Are you putting forward solutions to the symptoms and feeding the problem? Or are you solving the root cause?
