Posted by Greg Rittler on January 16th, 2009

5 Step Process for Changing Specific Problems

Patterns that Drive Performance

Ever feel like a hamster on a wheel doing the same thing over and over again and getting the same results? Usually this issue comes from not addressing a problem, frustration or negative pattern that exists in your organization or in your life. Some of you are thinking of that issue right now. You could try this technique:

What keeps us in the cycle?

Usually the culprit is lack of attention. You don’t need unlimited time, money or energy to solve most of your problems. Too much of these resources often masks what the true issues are. What you do need is short, focused attention and then a plan to move forward that deals with the issue.

“A great thought begins by seeing something differently, with a shift of the mind’s eye.” Albert Einstein

5 step process

We’ve developed a simple, easy to use recyclable process that will help you identify, quantify, resolve, design, and implement a solution to a specific problem that you face.

1. Identify the problem. Giving something a name helps clarify what you are facing and makes it a tangible, describable and solvable. This is key because many people go through life not even thinking the problems they face over and over are resolvable.

2. Quantify the problem. What is the magnitude of the issue in the first place? Is it a real problem or is it an unfounded concern. You would be amazed at how many problems people face get very small when they ask “how big a problem is this?” They often find out that it really isn’t a big deal and it doesn’t impact them as much as they think it does.

3. Make a decision. Decide if it is worth fixing. It may be a problem and it might be having a negative impact on your organization or life, but it may not be worth doing anything about at the moment. On the flipside, if you decide it is worth fixing stick with it until you have it whipped.

4. Design a solution. Here is where your creative energy can be set free. This is where unbridled imagination gives you power to create solutions. Use your mind to create a specific, clear, actionable plan in detail that will help you move away from your problem and into the solution that will work.

5. Implement. No plan works without implementation. Make sure that your specific, clear, actionable plan has legs that can take it somewhere. Tweak it along the way, stay flexible and adjust as you run into roadblocks. Keep moving toward the designed solution.

Next week I’ll give you a little insight into how to implement. For now, take your problem and run it through this process. It will help you with your business, your family, your life and beyond.

Keep moving forward,

Greg

p.s. This process goes a lot smoother if you have a trusted guide. Contact us today if you need a guide.