JORGE RODRIGUES SIMAO

This, in fact, is a darn good question. A problem occurs when there is a difference between what "should be" and what "is" between the ideal and the actual situation. The key to correcting something that is not right in our lives is to try to figure out what is wrong. Put another way, we must identify the problem correctly.

Some time ago, in an attempt to get more seminar bookings, I sent out a brochure to corporate executives.

To my dismay, I wasn't getting much response.

So I decided my problem was my not having an expensive brochure that would impress executives. Before I spent money on an expensive brochure, however, I decided to kick around my problem.

Luckily I remembered something about how identifying a very clearly defined and specific problem is the first critical step to successfully implementing the problem-solving process.

Eureka!

I realized that my problem actually was how to get the attention of the executives - whether using a brochure or some other device.

Such being the case, I created a puzzle and an accompanying letter that I sent to the executives.

Even though the letter was not all that professional, it was extremely effective at getting the recipients' attention - at least one hundred times as effective as mailing the brochure.

Fortunately, I had identified the problem properly. Creating a new brochure could have cost me a lot of time and money and produced few, if any, results.

Clearly, to effectively solve a problem, we must first realize and admit that we have one.

Most of us can get to this stage. Where a lot of us go wrong is we often dive into solving a problem without correctly identifying it. But, you might think, "If I have a problem, how is it possible that I haven’t identified it properly?"

Well, many people put up with a problem or an irritation for years because they haven't actually examined its true nature and how it might be solved.

Identifying a problem correctly is not always easy.

That explains why British writer G. K. Chesterton once commented, "It isn't that they can't see the solution. It is that they can't see the problem." For example, half of the people in dysfunctional relationships are absolutely convinced that if they could be together with their lover much more, then their relationships would be much better.

Guess what the other half believes?

The other half is totally convinced that if they could spend more time away from their lovers, then their relationships would be just fine.

Sadly, both halves are misled individuals stuck in a belief system about what will make their relationships work better.

The core of the matter is their relationships likely wouldn't improve if either half had their way – whether it's spending less time or more time with their lovers.

That is because they haven't identified the problem properly.

The problem is likely a lack of communication. If a couple doesn't truly communicate with each other when they are together, it isn't going to make a bit of difference whether the couple spends more time together or less time together.

To say nothing about the fact that the problem could be something other than a communication problem. It could be a self-esteem problem instead.

Generally speaking, regardless of what the problem is, it must be identified properly. "A problem well-stated," commented American inventor Charles F. Kettering, "is a problem half-solved." By now you should have gotten the message that you aren't going to solve the problem if you don't identify it properly.

So don’t forget to spend a little time, or even a lot of time, determining the nature of your problem.

What's the use of generating a lot of brilliant solutions when you have not correctly identified the problem? As is to be expected, you won't be even remotely happy with the results if you implement your brilliant solutions.

The alternative is to identify the problem straight up front, which means the outcome of your solutions has a fighting chance that it will be a lot more pleasant.