Most leaders face challenges or problems on a regular basis. Some of the problems are very extensive while others are simple. As a leader, how do you handle problems? How do you determine a solution when you have a reoccurring problem? It is easy to look at something that isn’t going right and brush it under the rug or fix the symptoms without looking any deeper. Each problem, however, has a root cause and the key is to get to the root of the problem.
To solve those problems, leaders use a variety of methods or techniques. Some techniques correct the symptoms of the problem, while the more valuable and effective techniques get to the root of the problem. Of the different problem solving techniques, I have seen three general approaches that are commonly used.
1. Don’t address the problem and hope it goes away.
This is a very common approach because it requires the least amount of effort. When you ignore the problem, it may just go away on its own. Most of the time, however, that is not the case. An unaddressed problem is likely to grow bigger to the point that feelings are hurt and much more damage occurs. The problems can also become more expensive to fix. A good example is the brake problem that Toyota experienced that wasn’t discovered until mass production had been happening for quite some time. Had the problem been discovered in the labs, it wouldn’t have cost them billions of dollars.
2. Fix the symptoms of the problem and move on.
Although this approach is better than just ignoring a problem, it doesn’t keep the problem from coming back in the future because it doesn’t solve the root of the problem. This method is very useful when your time is very limited and you need something to temporarily go away. In most cases, however, this method prolongs the time until you have to address the root of the problem. It acts as a band aid for a larger underlying problem.
If you only fix the symptoms and don’t address root of the problem, the problem will likely recur at some time in the future and have the same result as ignoring the problem. When you fix the symptoms of a problem, you can still have the problem get out of hand to where it is a much bigger problem than what you want to deal with.
3. Identify and fix the root of the problem, so the problem goes away forever.
This is the best approach to problem solving because it makes the problem go away and ensures that it won’t come back in the future. In most cases, finding the root of the problem requires more time and research than the other two approaches. Getting to the root of the problem involves identifying the players involved and what procedures or interactions led to the problem in the first place. When identifying the root of the problem, it is helpful to exam the system as a whole. Problems often occurs as a result of a systematic problem. Once you point out the root of the problem, make the necessary changes to prevent the problem from recurring.
How do you handle problems and solve them? How do you get to the root of the problem? What problems have you seen happen because a problem went unaddressed or only the symptoms were addressed? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
This problem should never come up. If it’s reoccurring, someone’s taken advantage and you know who and you know why. Guessing Brandon,. I’m Sorry.
Welcome William,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. In many cases, people will do what they can to take advantage of you or a situation if you let them.
There are also, however, problems that are not personal in nature are a result of an ineffective process. These problems need to be handled in a completely different fashion.
All Problems pertaining business, people, me etc are personal and there is only one fashion, personal.
There is an added danger with treating the symptom (#2 on your list): sunken costs. When management starts treating the symptoms, they apply time and money…time and money that nobody will want to admit was a waste…so they tend to keep pouring more time and money in the same direction treating the symptoms on an ever-greater level. What could have been solved inexpensively becomes a money-pit, and I have seen situations where treating the problem escalated to the point where new departments were created to address the ongoing symptoms that would never go away and had to receive constant treatment.
Kevin,
I have seen exactly what you mentioned where people continue to put more and more money into solving the symptoms of the problem. They don’t get the root of the problem and it leads to thousands (if not millions) of dollars on a solution that never solves anything. Many times it even takes a new management team altogether to address problems that the previous management team didn’t address. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!