The Road Map to Problem Resolution

I learned in differential calculus, that problem solving is easier if your start with the solution and work back to the problem. At first, this is an awkward testament to a person’s ability. We do not often spend time going backwards in life. In this case though, I found if I focus on the desired resolution, the pathway to resolving the problem becomes clear.

Once I have the pathway defined, my next hurdle is usually the enrollment of others to join me on this pathway towards resolution. When enrolling others, I think back to my experiences in traveling. I tend to be an adventure junkie, so spontaneous and often uncertain ventures are my passion. For me, it is the journey and the surprises that make a venture an adventure. Even though I enjoy the spur-of-the-moment twists and turns, I still have to create some kind of agenda or I will find myself sitting on my couch and going now where.

When planning out the road map for an adventure, I start to develop an expectation of the experience. My expectations start to drive what type of experience I anticipate having. I start to become enrolled with my own idea of adventure. When enrolling others to join you on your pathway to resolution, you need to build a road map, a check list, an agenda or whatever other tool is necessary to help them define their expectation of this experience. Expectations often define experiences and experiences often define outcomes. Enrollment is about creating an experience based on expectations that someone can see themselves being a part of. This ownership of the experience becomes the motivation for their participation and ultimately reaching the goal of problem resolution.

So that next time you find yourself with a problem, do a little mental calculus and travel planning. Determine what you want the resolution to be and work out the pathway back to the problem. Share this pathway and the expectations of this experience with the necessary parties. Create the space where ownership of the process can occur and notice how quickly your problems can be solved.

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Comment by Richard Emmons on October 3, 2011 at 7:36pm: If there is not an apparant solution than we can start to work from a compromised position, soon a problem can be identified and sloved.

Comment by Stephanie Young on September 28, 2011 at 11:42am: BC, I like the tour guide analogy....spot on, brother!!!

Comment by Stephanie Young on September 28, 2011 at 11:41am: Marsh, you are so right. Sometimes having too many avenues or options can be paralyzing. If you know your desired outcome, the one path to that outcome become clear and all the confusion melts away.

Comment by Stephanie Young on September 28, 2011 at 11:40am: Tony, some time we just have to go back to school.....smile. I guess I teachers were right...this stuff is important.

Comment by Marsh Buice on September 28, 2011 at 8:11am: Stephanie, begin with the end in mind is key. YOu and your team should see the desired outcome and work backwards from there. You can become paralyzed looking at the impossibilities or mobilized by the desired outcome. I prefer to keep it moving. Great job!

Comment by Tony Provost on September 27, 2011 at 5:22pm: stephanie- thank you for the homework assignment!! WOW!

Comment by Stephanie Young on September 27, 2011 at 4:56pm: Like Tom Hanks in Big......smile. Thanks, Jim.

Comment by Jim Kristoff on September 27, 2011 at 11:21am: Think BIG....Look BIG....Be BIG....BIG.....BIG...BIG....BIG!!

"Don't look back because you're not going in that direction!".....

Good blog Stephanie!