Band-Aid Or Solve: What's Your Strategy To Fix Problems?
Why most people band-aid then wonder why it doesn't work
As a natural problem solver, in that my brain is wired to quickly get to the heart of why things aren't working so I can discover ways to make things easier and simpler; I'm always curious to see other people's approach to problem solving.
And what I find is most people prefer a quick band-aid 'solution' rather than spending whatever time is needed to actually solve the problem once and for all.
So why do people choose band-aiding over fixing?
FOCUS YOUR TIME
One of the biggest frustrations clients talk to me about is not having enough time ....
.... to do planning, brainstorming, problem solving, simplifying things etc.
And yet, those same people are willing to spend time they tell me they don't have ....
- fixing mistakes
- troubleshooting and fire fighting
- reacting to everyone and everything
- looking for documents and emails
I could go on but I'm sure you get the idea.
If only they'd STOPPED and took the time to see what was really happening and resolved it?
Think about the last problem you band-aided and then consider these 6 questions:
1. How long had it been an issue?
2. What emotion did you attach to it eg frustration, overwhelm, confusion, exasperation?
3. How long did it take you to 'FIX IT'?
4. How long before it happened again?
5. Is it still an issue?
6. If yes, why haven't you actually solved it?
I bet you probably said...
1. At least a week (but probably much longer if you're honest)
2. Frustration
3. Less than 15 minutes
4. Less than a week
5. Yes
6. No time and/or I don't know
In hindsight, I'm sure you'd admit band-aiding, whilst on the surface seems to work, is really a waste of time of energy.
So what can you do instead?
When I get overwhelmed and find myself reacting and band-aiding things in my business, I know I've forgotten to look at my visual cues.
On my computer and in my notebook, I have a picture of a STOP SIGN and a TORTOISE to remind me to stop, slow down and take the time I need to think about what I need to do next or how to solve the problem in front of me.
So what visual triggers can you use to remind you to STOP and SLOW DOWN to ensure your problem solving strategy moves from band-aiding to fixing it once and for all?
And here's my final thought:
If you really want to stop feeling frustrated, overwhelmed and confused, then block out time to STOP and finish and/or resolve that one thing.
You'll be amazed at what it can save you in the long run.
If not, then enjoy being the mouse on the treadmill – running lots but getting nowhere. I'm sure you'd agree, your time would be better spent helping your team or customers.
So here's my special offer for FIX IT FEBRUARY
Wish you could get 1 Problem Solved in Just 30 Minutes – the one that frustrates you the most?
Maybe it's something about managing your time or your team, or ideas to bring in more customers?
Then I'd love you to please take up my
FREE 30 Minute Fix It Zoom Session by booking a time with me
here.
Because wouldn't it be great to solve 1 problem which is keeping you up at night or frustrating you which is stopping you growing your small business – all in 30 minutes?
And I'm up for anything so I look forward to solving 1 problem with you soon.
P.S. If you're saying you don't have 30 minutes to spare, you really need to book in a session with me because I can easily find you at least 1 simple strategy to save 30 minutes a day.
Cheers
Tamara
