From problems to possibilities
Have you ever noticed that the more you analyze a problem, the more stuck you feel? Sometimes digging deeper into why something happened only makes us go in circles. That’s where a solution-focused mindset can make a real difference.
According to Systems Thinking, organizations are living systems shaped by the interactions between their parts. This means that the organization is not simply the sum of individuals but a product of how those individuals interact. With this perspective, challenges are best understood not just by asking why they happen but by observing who does what, when, and with whom.
This is the essence of a solution-oriented approach: instead of overanalyzing the causes of a problem, we focus directly on finding what can move us forward. Spending too much time on conflict or root causes can keep us stuck, while solutions often emerge faster when we shift the perspective.
Shifting perspective to empower solutions
When someone makes a mistake, for example, avoid blame or digging into the past. Instead, ask how they plan to correct it and what they’ve already done successfully in similar situations. This switch encourages learning and builds confidence.
Equally important is avoiding “problem talk.” Investing energy in dissecting what went wrong rarely leads to breakthroughs. By contrast, solution-focused conversations help people move faster and with more clarity.
How to move towards a Solution Focused approach?
Stephen Covey, the author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People said: “The way we see the problem is the problem.” How can we start looking at problems in a different way, with fresh new thinking?
- Ask a different Why. Instead of why did this happen?, try asking: Why do I want this situation to change? Why is solving this important? Then define: How do I want this situation to be instead?
- Be mindful of your questions. Pay attention to your inner dialogue and the way you speak with others. Clarity starts with describing the preferred outcome and identifying the first small steps that can lead there.
- Stop repeating what doesn’t work. If an approach fails, try something else. Look for what’s already working, even in small ways, and do more of it. Sometimes the resources and solutions are already within reach.
- Start small, but start now. We often wait for the “perfect” solution and lose momentum. Tiny steps are powerful. They create movement, confidence, and space for bigger changes to unfold.
Problems can feel like a maze. The more we analyze the dead ends, the more lost we become. The solution can often be found in choosing a new path and walking it.
Remember: progress often comes from small, consistent actions, and the best time to start is today.
ASK YOURSELF
– When facing a problem: “How do I want this situation to be instead?” Describe it in detail.
– What’s the first step I can take towards this desired situation?
– What am I already doing that is helping to make the problem better and smaller? What else? What else? What else?
Photo by Silvia Foglia
