Need a Big Solution for Your Big Problem? Think again!
Confession… I love complex problems. I really do! Part of why I love business is because it’s like a puzzle to me. There’s nothing I enjoy more than putting the scattered pieces together, figuring out the problem, and creating solutions. Big problems, big solutions.
I’m realizing that’s part of the reason I sometimes get stuck in my own life and business though. My typical reaction to complex problems is to design an equally complex solution. And guess what? The change I’m so eager to have happen doesn’t happen. Instead, I wind up spinning my wheels and getting nowhere fast.
As much as I wish I’d struck upon this game-changing insight myself long ago, I have to credit the must-read book on change, Switch, by Chip and Dan Heath.
It seems my pattern of big solutions for big problems is actually pretty common. There’s an analytical, problem-solving, navel-gazing part of our brain (the Heath brothers refer to it as the Rider) that loves to do just this. And on the surface, it can seem like a pretty useful talent, right? It would only stand to reason that a complex problem would call for a solution of equal scale and complexity.
The trouble is, complexity creates ambiguity which creates resistance to the very change you need in order to put an end to the mess you’re in. Complexity keeps you stuck!
The authors of Switch offer some pretty interesting case studies demonstrating this issue, and the obvious conclusion is that the ideal solutions to our big problems are actually very simple and comparatively small. A big solution is almost never the answer. Instead, it is usually a sequence of small solutions that get the best results.
So how do you find the right small solution? Here are a couple of ideas to get you started…
- Look for the bright spots. This is a concept you’ll find in great depth in Switch. In a nutshell, look for what’s already working and then scale those successes. Let the other facets of your big, complex problem go for now. For example, in my own business, I’ve noticed it seems I’m getting the best results when I’m collaborating with other visionaries. This is where I shine, am happiest, and people seem to most recognize the value I bring to the table. So while I may ultimately need to add more virtual team, tighten up my administrative systems, market more consistently, etc…. the small solution that’s already working and I can scale is putting myself in more situations to collaborate with entrepreneurial and business visionaries.
- Focus on which small solution is available to you right now and has the potential to create a domino effect with other solutions to your problem. An example here… let’s say a business owner is struggling with problems with their team, and they also need to work on marketing, operating systems, client prospecting, sales, and service delivery. All are valid aspects of the big, complex problem; and each could use some attention at some point. However, rather than create a complex solution that tackles all simultaneously, this business owner could pour all their attention into the one single action of resolving the issues with their team. With the right team fully on board and working in unison, the team itself will be able to take care of a lot of those other facets of the big problem. A domino effect from the simple solution.
P.S. Once again, all you extraordinary entrepreneurs… I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments! Are you stuck in your business because of a big, complex problem? How can you get away from the ambiguity of a complex solution and create true change through clear, simple focus?
