Anytime we undertake an attempt at a desired outcome, we can and should expect challenges to overcome it. It’s never a straight line between start to finish in any endeavor. Some goals may require a team effort. Regardless, the approach to resolving the problem and getting to the finish always takes a similar approach.
Challenges in the path to success are not necessarily bad things. In fact, we should expect it. Then there is no surprise when it shows up, whatever the form it takes. A challenge highlights a consideration that was not taken into the original project plan. Every problem presents an opportunity for us to implement improvements in the future. Sure, for a while it will be like we are thrown into a washing machine and we are spinning and tumbling all over. In such a situation, where do you focus?
I had a very good mentor and supervisor in my days as a young engineer. There were times I would be struggling with a boggling issue. He’d show up to do just two things: first to summarize the problem being faced, and second to re-focus on the outcome that we need to get to, nothing more. He’d remind that he’ll make himself available to discuss it further if needed, and then he’ll walk away. His input in the situation was useful, for it allowed all effort to be directed on the problem and not be tangled in the problem. Also, it re-directed focus to the outcomes we were seeking.
If you’re in the problem, it’s possible you could have lost sight of the goal post, the outcome that you’re working towards. Clarity is knowing – What is the problem, and what is not the problem? In problem resolution, it’s always important that you’re asking the right questions. Wrong questions may lead you to wrong approaches and could take you further away from the outcome. Will a checklist help? If you’re working in a team, bounce the question to your team member so that you’re aligned to fixing the issues on hand.
Once there is clarity of the real problem, and you are clear on the outcome you seek to achieve you can move to the next steps. Some of these outcomes may require the completion of intermediate steps. Push ahead next with the focus on the outcomes. Focus is the necessary ingredient in any solution-seeking endeavor. Focus directs attention and energy. If it is a team effort, it galvanizes the team’s morale.
Every plan will face challenges in its roll-out. Expect and embrace the challenges that will show up. Ask the right questions. Have understanding and clarity of the problem, and then direct focus on the outcomes that you seek. All challenges are but opportunities in disguise.
