The Hidden Yet Mindblowing Gem of Problem-Solving 

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a problem is "a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome." What I love about this definition is that it is unadulterated and holds no punches, exposing the identity of a problem. We never welcome problems. We would rather not face them, though we see the absolute destruction they can cause. However, let's agree that business challenges are dangerous to ignore.

Think about it. If we have defined a situation as a problem, it is more than a nuisance. Problems aren't gnats swarming visually before us that we just clap away. No. They are a giant-sized, Superbowl-winning defensive team attempting to keep us from scoring a single goal. Intimidation and frustration are their chants, striking terror in us. Run. Hide. This is our first response, but even Oxford knows that these aren't options. The final portion of this brilliant definition states that problems need "to be dealt with and overcome."

I'll admit that it does sound easier said than done. But please take a second look with me and perceive your challenges differently. I am intentionally using the words problem and challenge interchangeably. It isn't just that they are perfect synonyms, but there is an assist here that helps us adjust our vantage point. Problems aren't just challenges. They are CHALLENGERS. They aren't just something to contend with but are contenders calling us out to battle. They test and stretch us, forcing us to find new levels of our best. Problems keep us on our toes, reminding us that yesterday's good enough isn't good enough today.

So then, how do we defeat our contender called problems? By recognizing in business, we aren't just called to create. We've been called to innovate. Recall our crow in last month's blog. Thirst was his problem, his contender. In a desert without a water source, our friend was left to face off with death. He found a pitcher of water more empty than full. Death, his challenger, pushed him to think outside of the box. Desperate to win, our crow allowed his mind to lead his thoughts, bringing him to a place he had not known.

Here's a non-fable example. In 1928, Alexander Fleming rushed out of his science lab to make it home in time for a family vacation. In scurrying out the door, he left his lab in total disarray. Two weeks later, Fleming returned to find that the bacteria he left in his Petri dishes had mold growth overwhelming them. He needed to sanitize and deep clean before tackling any new work. He began trying various substances in the lab to attack the mold takeover as the cleaning products on hand weren't strong enough for the evasion he was facing. After a few attempts, Fleming found one substance that could annihilate the mold's existence. Penicillin. Penicillin's destruction of the mold uncovered its lifesaving power for saving millions worldwide!

The introduction of something new and the establishment of something that does not exist are the hidden gems that problems invite us into. Remember, problem-solving is a muscle you must exercise for it to come naturally. If you have yet to catch it by now, when you problem solve, you innovate. When you innovate, you problem-solve. What's the difference? One, you react, and the latter, you proactively anticipate the challenger before it shows up. If practice makes perfect, let's train for the battle before it arrives. 

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After solving his problem, Fleming continued his work in bacteriology. He continued to innovate by studying other antibacterial substances, profoundly impacting the field of microbiology.

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As a coach building a business, you will stand toe-to-toe with challenges. You'll be backed into corners and pushed between a rock and a hard place. The question becomes, "What will you do when this occurs?" Will you find your pitcher of water determined to get the drink that you need? Will you find the very solution that will eradicate the mold seize? The choice is yours.

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Need help with your choice? Please reach out. Innovation doesn't have to be done alone. ‍