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A few weeks ago, I wrote about 10 leadership truths I’ve learned that were actually the opposite of what I originally thought.
I was asked to expand on #10: “Identifying the real problem is more important than quickly solving the first one you see.”
Here it goes…
(If you missed it and want the entire list, just reply to this email: Full 10 please!)
"If I were given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute resolving it."
You may hear that having a “bias for action” is important in leadership.
And I agree! Action is how things get done. In fact, doing is the best way to learn and rewire neuropathways too.
Additionally, your brain literally has a built-in “Action Bias” – where you tend to favor action over inaction. This helps us move past fears that often hold us back.
However… there is one time that you want to put that “Action Bias” on hold.
—> And that’s when you’re deciding what problem to solve.
Your brain’s natural tendency, once you see a problem, is to dive right in and find that solution!
But the problem you see first… is not usually the root problem itself. It’s just a symptom.
For instance… if you notice your skin is dry. So you immediately solve it by applying moisturizer. However, the real problem was that you are actually dehydrated. And because you didn’t drink water, you are now starting to get a headache.
You didn’t stop to investigate the real problem and just dove into action… and thus nothing is really solved.
So… how do you overcome the “Action Bias” to identify the real problem?
Here are 4 steps I use:
1/ Pause.
The act of pausing literally allows thinking to expand past the automatic tendencies we have built into the brain. It “turns on” the critical thinking brain… allowing neural signals to move past the older, emotional part of our brain.
2/ Switch on Curiosity.
Allow yourself the space and the time to become an explorer, shifting out of execution mode. Use phrases like “I wonder why…” and challenge initial thoughts with questions like “What else could be going on?”
3/ Collect Data w/ A Deadline
More information will give a clearer picture and help identify the root cause. But be careful! We can get stuck in this step wanting more and more data, and never take action. Set a time limit or deadline to cut it off – and use the information you have.
4/ Clearly State
Don’t overcomplicate the problem. Simplicity and clarity will drive focus and a better solution. Use this framework: “We are looking for X in order to achieve Z as measured by W.”
Remember: Identifying the real problem is more important than quickly solving the first one you see.
“If I were given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute resolving it.”
– Albert Einstein German-born theoretical physicist
