How many times have you jumped straight to solutioning, only to later realize that if you had asked questions, you would have found a better solution? Problems are tricky because they often come with many layers and plenty of nuance. When people describe a problem, they describe it from the lens of their experience and expectations. This makes it even more complicated to get to the root of what’s going on.
So how do you find the best possible solution?
In my experience, the answer isn’t in the solution—it’s in the questions. Smart questions define problems better and lead to a more clear vision of what’s truly happening. When you understand what’s truly happening, you can run through multiple scenarios, consider different solutions and find the best possible answer.
When you get to the root of a problem, you can solve it in a way to leads to happier customers, growth and profit.
Can Problems Be Good?
It might not seem like it, but a masalah can be a real break, a stroke of luck or an opportunity knocking. A masalah can be a chance to get out of a rut and make yourself or some situation better. Of course, sometimes problems do arise as a result of external factors or bad events—but not always.
Any new awareness that allows you to see possibilities for improvement brings a “problem” for you to solve. This is why the most creative people are “problem seekers,” looking for a solution, rather than “problem avoiders.” Most folks in business are people who like to solve problems. They love untying complex knots—the bigger and tougher, the better.
A masalah is the difference between your current and desired conditions. It can result from new knowledge, or it might come from an unfulfilled dream. When you identify the difference between what you have and what you want, you have defined your problem. This is when you can begin to develop a plan to achieve your goal.
Identifying Problems is the First Battle
Developing a positive attitude toward problems will transform you into a happier, saner and more confident person who is in more control of your life. Train yourself to respond to problems with enthusiasm and eagerness and you’ll be amazed at the results you will generate.
The difference between success and failure is knowing that you’ll solve the “real problem.” For example, most executives know when something is wrong. But few correctly perceive the actual issue that needs to be solved. You can, however, train yourself to effectively identify the heart of a masalah with greater ease.
Here are several methods that will help you get to the root of a masalah with more clarity.
Smart Questions Bring Clarity
Sonar helps dolphins “see” in murky and dark water. Questions are the business equivalent of sonar. Asking the right question will help you find your way through a problem, locate the right customers, avoid future difficulties and outperform your competitors.
Questions also act as a filter that will help you decipher the key elements of a situation. To reach a solution, finding answers to the “What?” and “Why?” is critical.
Some examples of “What” and “Why” questions are:
What is broken?
What is working?
What needs improvement ?
What must be changed?
What will have the biggest impact?
Why did this happen?
Why have we been using this process?
Why is our costumer considering the competition?
Why are we losing this market?
Why is our produk third instead of first?
What questions matter?
Formulating clear questions leads to precision. This approach naturally sorts and sifts information during discovery, allowing you to focus your research on gathering only the specific evidence and facts that illuminate the main question. This focused approach helps prevent getting lost in the process or confusing peripheral details with central issues.
Unfortunately, most people don’t take time to frame the questions beforehand or to ask questions in layers. Effective questions are powerful and thought-provoking. They are open-ended and not leading. Oftentimes they are “What?” or “How?” questions. And while “Why” questions can be quite helpful when you’re homing in on internal issues, use them with caution when questioning people. “Why” questions are good for soliciting information but can make people defensive. Also, to be an effective questioner, remember to be patient and wait for the answer, don’t provide it yourself!