Organizations are interested in solutions, not in the most precise description and explanation of the problem. Sometimes, however, this seems to be precisely the barrier that needs to be overcome.
Precisely defining the problem at hand, questioning explanations, and proposing initial solutions can provide important impetus. However, this is only the case if it is followed by consistent, solution-oriented thinking. Investigating the causes must not be given ultimate priority, because, as Albert Einstein said, "We cannot solve problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."
The difference lies in the attitude
For me, there are two ways to approach problems. Either I try—out of deep conviction—to find a suitable solution for every problem, or I try the opposite: to find a suitable solution for a problem. We call the first option problem-oriented and the other solution-oriented.
Thinking in a solution-oriented way means that I really try to find solutions that fix a problem. If I have a solution, but it only partially fixes my problem, I adapt it until it adequately covers the problem and solves it completely.
On the other hand, there is problem-oriented thinking. I start looking for new problems with every idea that could be a solution. With this attitude, I am essentially not interested in solving problems at all, but only want to present the problems in detail.
Our culture of problem orientation
Boris Grundl already said in his book "Mach mich glücklich" (Make me happy): In Germany, the critic often counts for more than the person who created the work—if we already feel inferior to the "greats" in terms of results, then we at least want to feel morally superior.
In our culture, it is still ingrained in us to meticulously search for the cause: Why did the problem arise and, more importantly, who is to blame? No one tries to solve a problem anymore, let alone take responsibility .
Solution-oriented thinking starts small
A general example:
I send a document to print and go to the printer to pick it up. However, my colleague did the same thing last night, and I know he printed a lot. Now I realize that the printer is out of paper. I now have exactly two options:
- Option: I go to my colleague and blame him for the fact that we have run out of paper in the printer and I can't print anything. He may then blame the cleaning staff, because they could have seen it, and they may pass the blame on to our assistant.
- Option: I go to our warehouse, get some new paper, and refill it.
My story on the topic of solution orientation:
When I was young, I noticed for the first time how many people actually think exclusively in terms of problems.
At the age of 16, I appeared before a court and the youth welfare office. I wasn't there because I had committed a crime, but because I was looking for a solution to my problem. I wanted to start my own business with a marketing agency. However, when I first expressed my idea, I was overwhelmed by people who were focused on problems rather than solutions.
With sentences such as:
- ...the bureaucracy in Germany is too complicated.
- You have no idea how expensive that is.
- ...you can't start your own business at 16.
These statements came from people who were superficially looking for problems. Unlike them, I was meticulously searching for a solution: approval from the guardianship court. Interestingly, at that point, the more precise my solution was, the more precisely others saw the problems.
This was followed by sentences such as:
- ...you're finishing your degree, the guardianship court won't allow that.
- You failed last year. Who would allow you to start your own business?
You see, everyone focused on the problems, and finding a solution became secondary for these people. But I had found a potential solution and pursued it. The outcome was in my favor, and I was able to start my own online marketing agency.
It was interesting to note that these same "problem analysts" identified new problems shortly thereafter.
This was followed by sentences such as:
- How do you plan to persuade customers at the age of 16?
- You're too young for the business world!
Of course, these are "problems" that can be solved, but only if I am genuinely interested in doing so. I had built up strong references and delivered strong results in my own projects. My results spoke for themselves. Ultimately, my customers saw this too. At some point, well-known manufacturers became aware of me and wanted to work with me. As you can see, those who think in a solution-oriented way often achieve a completely different effect.
Digitalization as a pillar of solution orientation
The solution to my problem was approval from the guardianship court. And where did I find it? On the internet!
Have you ever searched for a specific problem on Google? You will find that it is extremely rare to find articles that focus on problems. Nobody writes about their problems online without offering a solution, and they are usually rewarded with a good ranking for doing so. The more solution-oriented an article is, the easier it is to find.
Solution-oriented thinking in everyday life
The effect of this distinction helps me personally to cope better with "problems" on a daily basis.
Solution-oriented thinking is demanding, but effective. Problem-oriented thinking may be trivial, but it is also ineffective. It is a price you have to pay for this way of thinking.
Whenever I catch myself looking for problems instead of solutions, I remind myself of this distinction. And I smile at the fact that once again I only wanted to point out problems that I should actually be solving.
Yours, Marcel Roll
