Stop Solving the Wrong Problem

Dan Rockwell

4 months ago

Solving the wrong problem is dangerous. The real challenge is sneaking up behind you.

Helping in the wrong way wastes time and resources. Worse yet, helping in the wrong way often blows up in your face.

Help is essential to exponential success. Offer it thoughtfully.

“The people who become superstars are simply those who receive the most help.” Anonymous

Wrong problem – wrong help:

Assuming you know the issue is a problem.

Solving symptoms prolongs pain. Helping too quickly often means helping wrongly.

Wrong assumptions result in wrong help.

Quick-thinking leaders help in the wrong way when they think they understand, but don’t.

Helping in the wrong way hurts.

Assumptions. “After listening to complaints or concerns, ask: ‘What problem are you solving?’ Pretend you don’t know, even if you think you do.”
Goals. What are you trying to achieve?
Success. What’s different if this is solved? What will life be like?
Behaviors. What will you be doing when this goes away?
Partners. Who should we add to this conversation?
What makes you think you have an issue?
Timing. When did this begin? What were you doing? What’s changed?
Roots. Ask, “Why” five times.
Perspective. Shift point of view. Take a break. Have dinner. Go for a walk. Play golf.
Resistance. Where are you procrastinating? Resistance hides root causes.

Pro Tip: Maintain a solution orientation when digging into things that aren’t working.

Helping too fast is hindering.

How will you slow down and find root causes before rushing to help?