Where are the people with solutions?

I am tired of the number of problems that people come with on a regular basis. Problems that seem entwined in mindset issues, corporate politics, egos, personal agendas, lack of focus and so much more. 

Now, let’s be honest, we have all perhaps at various points in time been in situations where we have been a part of the problem or chosen to see only the problem and focus all our energies on it. Now, the freedom to choose and the choice is ours entirely as to the approach that we want to adopt in such situations. Why be a problem person when you can be a solution builder or be part of the solution?

There are two kinds of people in this world, the problem people, and the solution people. Which one are you?

I have dealt with my share of issue creators, cribbers, victims of situations and the why me askers. 

Here is what their usual approach is: 

1. Identifying the problem 
2. Issue or problem creators 
3. Analysing or over-analysing the issue at hand 
4. Cribbing or complaining about the situation 
5. Wallowing in self-pity 
6. Not finding solid solutions to the issue
7. Blaming others or luck or fate 
8. Not taking ownership of why the issue was created or to find a solution for it
9. Playing the victim card 

I have also had the privilege of working with amazing solution-oriented people who are a joy to work with. They focus on how to tackle or solve for the problem and get right to it. 

Here is what their usual approach is: 

1. Identifying the problem from a how to solve approach 
2. Analysing the problem for the best possible solutioning 
3. Not accepting the status quo 
4. Thinking with the result or outcome in mind 
5. Finding different ways to approach the problem for many ways to solve it 
6. Accepting the reality for what it is 
7. Taking ownership of the situation and the approach to the solution 
8. Solving for the problem in such a way that it does not repeat 
9. Finding ways to help everyone involved in the process and not making it about themselves 

Here I have helped identify two approaches and two kinds of people who take these approaches more often than one, classified into the type that they fall back on based on their approach. 

At every juncture we choose who and what we want to be and what to do with what we have available to us as professionals or even in personal relationships. 

There is no problem in this world that does not have a solution and the right strategy is to go after that solution and take control of the situation and channelise your energies to ensure that the root of the problem has been identified and the problem has been addressed and solved. 

For a better world, a smarter and more sustainable planet, we need solution creators and those who are willing to stretch and go the extra mile beyond just their call of duty to ensure they are creating and being the change they want to see by being that exact change. 

So, next time you are posed with a problem, choose to be part of the solution, for there is joy in the process of being the solution or ensuring that one is achieved.

The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Shreya Krishnan

Vice President - Marketing and Communications at Aon India Insurance Brokers

Shreya is a CSR Specialist and Corporate Grooming Consultant. Her interests lie in Activism, Dance, Theatre, Poetry, Blogging, Modelling, Acting. She considers herself an Earth Warrior and is an Event Anchor and Trainer. She is a Pageant Winner and public speaker.