“No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.” Voltaire
We face many challenges and obstacles each day in our business – out of stocks, out of code product, mispicks, re-deliveries, etc. How many of these problems could be avoided if we took the time to step back, analyze the root cause of the problem, and implement a new solution or a new process?
The answer is virtually all of them.
No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. This statement holds the key to solving most of our business challenges.
But we have to start by stepping back and thinking, really understanding what happened: What caused the problem to begin with, what forces were at work that created this situation and what can we do to change the process or the environment so this problem does not reoccur?
Next, we need sustained thinking. This is the toughest part: Not giving up on the solution, but having the persistence and belief that this problem can be solved.
Look at the problem from different angles, ask for input or advice from a supervisor or co-workers, relentlessly attack the problem until you find a solution. And you will find it.
Don’t fall into the trap of ‘I don’t have time for that’. All we have is time, and we have the power to decide how we will use that time. If we use our time to solve a recurring or nagging problem that costs us time each week, we are creating time for ourselves.
Challenge yourself and your employees to work on solving rather than enduring your business problems. Really think about the problem, understand it, and solve it.
