How to turn negative problems into positive results

Posted on March 11, 2021July 24, 2024 by harborcapitalgroupinc

How to turn negative problems into positive results

If you are in business, problem-solving is a constant part of your business life.

No problem is simple, or it wouldn’t be a problem.

Some problems are critical to the success of your company.

One way to make solving problems easier and more effective is to turn a negative problem into a positive result.

Start With These Questions

Start the process by answering the question, “what is your goal?”

Is this problem important enough to spend time and energy on it?

If yes, you need to state the problem in writing so it is clear and you can focus on it. For example:

1. How could we differentiate our product or service from competitors?

2. What new product should we be developing?

3. How can we improve our service?

Next, turn the problem into a challenge statement.

Michael Michalko, in his excellent book, “Thinkertoys,” explains this creative process

and that the challenge statement has to be written as a positive challenge.

For example, “why have revenues slowed down?” focuses on finding the negative reasons.

But, if you restate the problem into a challenge

such as “In what ways might I get customers to buy more?” you focus on finding positive answers.

For each problem or challenge, state your problem as a positive challenge or statement. For example, instead of:

Old statement: “How can we reduce costs to improve cash flow?

New positive statement: “How could we boost margins on current offerings?’

Why can’t we stay on plan?” vs. “What could we do to meet consistent deadlines?

Why is onboarding so complicated?” vs. “What could we do to simplify onboarding?”

Note: Mr. Michalko recommends your challenge statement use the phrase.

“In what ways might I …..? He also recommends spending time crafting your challenge statement.

The more time you spend refining your challenge statement, the closer you will be to the solution.

You should be able to generate many different answers or ideas from these questions.

Make a list of every idea, and select some that you think have promise.

Then, substitute keywords to broaden your view.

Identify keywords in your challenge statement and substitute other words for them.

For example: instead of reducing costs, use eliminate costs. Instead of boost margins use to raise prices.

Each word change should give you a broader view of the problem, a different viewpoint, and different ideas.

Keep making word changes until you run out of ideas.

Your success in creating new problem-solving ideas depends in part on how you define your problem.

You can also create broader perspectives by asking “Why? to each of your ideas or answers.

Ask Why

For each “answer”: Why do you want to improve your service?

Then, Why do you think improving service will add value?

Then, Why will this value enable us to increase prices? Etc.

Now, break your Broadview down to specifics.

With all this information, you can now get down to specifics by breaking each answer into subcategories.

These subcategories will generate even more ideas.

For example, “When will this new product be ready?”

Who could design the new product?

These kinds of questions will give you more ideas and make it easier to solve the problem.

Conclusion

This thinking process enables you to restructure existing information into new patterns and ideas and turn these problems into opportunities.

You start with your goal, identified the problem, and then turn the problem into a challenge statement that you can analyze in depth.

This will enable you to see the problem through several lenses and get different perceptions of the problem.

After reading this blog post. select a problem and go through the exercise for practice.

That is how you will learn to do it and it’s fun!

How to turn negative problems into positive results

Posted on March 11, 2021 by harborcapitalgroupinc

If you are in business, problem-solving is a constant part of your business life. No problem is simple, or it wouldn’t be a problem. Some problems are critical to the success of your company. One way to make solving problems easier and more effective is to turn a negative problem into a positive result.

Start the process by answering the question, “what is your goal?” Is this problem important enough to spend time and energy on it? If yes, you need to state the problem in writing so it is clear and you can focus on it. For example:

How could we differentiate our product or service from competitors?
What new product should we be developing?
How can we improve our service?

Next, turn the problem into a challenge statement.

Michael Michalko, in his excellent book, “Thinkertoys,” explains this creative process and that the challenge statement has to be written as a positive challenge. For example, “why have revenues slowed down?” focuses on finding the negative reasons. But, if you restate the problem into a challenge such as “In what ways might I get customers to buy more?” you focus on finding positive answers.

For each problem or challenge, state your problem as a positive challenge or statement. For example, instead of:

Old statement: “How can we reduce costs to improve cash flow? New positive statement: “How could we boost margins on current offerings?’
Why can’t we stay on plan?” vs. “What could we do to meet consistent deadlines?
Why is onboarding so complicated?” vs. “What could we do to simplify onboarding?”

Note: Mr. Michalko recommends your challenge statement use the phrase. “In what ways might I …..? He also recommends spending time on crafting your challenge statement. The more time you spend refining your challenge statement, the closer you will be to the solution.

You should be able to generate many different answers or ideas from these questions. Make a list of every idea, and select some that you think have promise.

Then, substitute keywords to broaden your view.

Identify keywords in your challenge statement and substitute other words for them. For example: instead of reducing costs, use eliminate costs. Instead of boost margins use to raise prices. Each word change should give you a broader view of the problem, a different viewpoint, and different ideas. Keep making word changes until you run out of ideas. Your success in creating new problem-solving ideas depends in part on how you define your problem.

You can also create broader perspectives by asking “Why? to each of your ideas or answers. For each “answer”: Why do you want to improve your service? Then, Why do you think improving service will add value? Then, Why will this value enable us to increase prices? Etc.

Now, break your Broadview down to specifics.

With all this information, you can now get down to specifics by breaking each answer into subcategories. These subcategories will generate even more ideas. For example, “When will this new product be ready?” Who could design the new product? These kinds of questions will give you more ideas and make it easier to solve the problem.

Conclusion

This thinking process enables you to restructure existing information into new patterns and ideas and turn these problems into opportunities. You start with your goal, identified the problem, and then turn the problem into a challenge statement which you can analyze in several depths enabling you to create solutions.

How You Approach Problem-Solving Matters

Posted on March 3, 2021July 24, 2024 by harborcapitalgroupinc

No matter who you are, a seasoned businessman or an entrepreneur, you continuously face different problems on that pathway to success. And you can add to that the challenge of not enough time to do everything. We want to change that by getting you off on the right foot with how you initially approach problem-solving. It’s important because the way you approach problem-solving matters.

Most problems need a timely solution. Some linger because we don’t know how to solve them. It often happens when you suddenly have to face somethings that you did not expect. So, choosing the best path to reach an effective solution matters.

Following are several approaches to problem-solving. Understand them, and you will be able to see the changes in how fast and effective your problem-solving techniques will become.

A Team Approach To Problem-Solving

If you are working with a team, everyone on the team must know and understand the problem from their own perspective. And every person on the team must be able to express their point of view and without criticism freely.

Leadership means that you remove all the fear in people’s minds of any repercussions if their idea is ridiculed. The good news is it often happens that some off-the-wall comment is picked up by someone else and turned into a potential solution.

If you find that you cannot find “the” solution after a reasonable amount of time, compile a list of all the suggested solutions. You can then analyze which one has the potential to solve your problem. A day or two later, when people are not intensely focused on the problem’s details, someone often comes up with an insightful solution.

Having an open-minded, kind approach is needed to develop transparent communication. With an open mind, you can see things more clearly and see the bigger picture. Finding and assigning important tasks to all the open-minded people will help in reducing the problem-solving time. People with open minds can take you forward in your quest to find the best solution to any of your problems. Creating a team of people who know exactly where to look when a problem occurs is always an interesting approach towards problem-solving.

Mindsets Make A Difference In Approach And Outcomes

Next, let’s take a look at different mindsets and how these mindsets approach problem-solving.

Analytical thinking:

People who think analytically generally consider every aspect of the problem. From here, they can move forward in a calculated way. People with analytical thinking mindsets find it very easy to take on and solve any problem, so they proceed step by step. They make assumptions and considerations because they have expertise in discovering new things, and they are sure about it.

Logical thinking:

People who think logically and straightforwardly learn from their actions from past actions. Logical thinking can get you the solution you seek for any of your problems. Logical thinking is the basis of their solution. They approach the problem from what they think a normal person would view the problem. They try to see the long-term solution.

Rational thinking:

It is a kind of thinker who would use its knowledge and assumptions. He would not look for any experience or any other factor. From his perspective, he may be like the problems, and he would solve them in this way that others may find questionable.

Absolute thinking:

The absolute thinker wants surety for everything. He has just two solutions, and one is right while the other is wrong. He only selects from two of them, and for that, he always seeks permission from higher authorities. He does not live with probabilities.

Creative thinkers:

Creative thinkers do not remain limited to one or two solutions based on their judgments or past experiences. They can create solutions from scratch. And they do not focus on one thing when there are so many potential solutions. They will also take tier time in coming up with these solutions.

Conclusion:

Your approach to problems tells how you will solve your problem. Identifying and agreeing on the problem rather than working on a symptom is critical to your success. Learning how to solve problems creatively is a crucial talent and a toolbox for anyone who wants to succeed in business.

Solutions, no matter how difficult the problem or challenge, can be solved — some instantly and some like solving the theory of relativity took Einstein 10 years. Always choose your method or technique according to the complexity of the problem.

Lastly, remember that trying to approach and solve a problem as a team can be fragile because you have to give space and freedom without criticism to each member.

We hope this information gives you some food for thought as you approach a specific problem. We would love to hear your comments on this approach and if it works for you.

How You Approach Problem-Solving Matters

Posted on March 3, 2021 by harborcapitalgroupinc

How You Approach Problem-Solving Matters

No matter who you are, a seasoned businessman or an entrepreneur, you continuously face different problems on that pathway to success.

And you can add to that the challenge of not having enough time to do everything.

We want to change that by getting you off on the right foot with how you initially approach problem-solving.

It’s important because the way you approach problem-solving matters.

Most problems need a timely solution. Some linger because we don’t know how to solve them.

It often happens when you suddenly have to face some things that you did not expect.

So, choosing the best path to reach an effective solution matters.

Following are several approaches to problem-solving.

Understand them, and you will be able to see the changes in how fast and effective your problem-solving techniques will become.

A Team Approach To Problem-Solving

If you are working with a team, everyone on the team must know and understand the problem from their own perspective.

And every person on the team must be able to freely express their point of view without criticism.

Leadership means that you remove all the fear in people’s minds of any repercussions if their idea is ridiculed.

The good news is it often happens that some off-the-wall comment is picked up by someone else and turned into a potential solution.

If you find that you cannot find “the” solution after a reasonable amount of time, compile a list of all the suggested solutions.

You can then analyze which one has the potential to solve your problem.

A day or two later, when people are not intensely focused on the problem’s details, someone often comes up with an insightful solution.

Having an open-minded approach is needed to develop transparent communication.

With an open mind, you can see things more clearly and see the bigger picture.

Finding and assigning important tasks to all the open-minded people will help in reducing the problem-solving time.

People with open minds can take you forward in your quest to find the best solution to any of your problems.

Creating a team of people who know exactly where to look when a problem occurs is always an interesting approach to problem-solving.

Mindsets Make A Difference In Approach And Outcomes

Next, let’s take a look at different mindsets and how these mindsets approach problem-solving.

Analytical thinking:

People who think analytically generally consider every aspect of the problem.

From here, they can move forward in a calculated way.

People with analytical thinking mindsets find it very easy to take on and solve any problem, so they proceed step by step.

They make assumptions and considerations because they have expertise in discovering new things, and they are sure about it.

Logical thinking:

People who think logically and straightforwardly learn from their actions from past actions.

Logical thinking can get you the solution you seek for any of your problems.

Logical thinking is the basis of their solution.

They approach the problem from how they think a normal person would view the problem.

They try to see the long-term solution.

Rational thinking:

It is a kind of thinker who would use their knowledge and assumptions.

They would not look for any experience or any other factor.

From their perspective, they may be like the problem,

and he would solve them in a way that others may find questionable.

Absolute thinking:

The absolute thinker wants surety for everything.

He has just two solutions, and one is right while the other is wrong.

He only selects from two of them, and for that, he always seeks permission from higher authorities.

He does not live with probabilities.

Creative thinkers:

Creative thinkers do not remain limited to one or two solutions based on their judgments or past experiences.

They can create solutions from scratch.

And they do not focus on one thing when there are so many potential solutions.

They will also take tier time in coming up with these solutions.

Conclusion:

Your approach to problems tells how you will solve your problem.

Identifying and agreeing on the problem rather than working on a symptom is critical to your success.

Learning how to solve problems creatively is a crucial talent and a toolbox for anyone who wants to succeed in business.

Solutions, no matter how difficult the problem or challenge, can be solved — some instantly and some, like solving the theory of relativity, took Einstein 10 years.

Always choose your method or technique according to the complexity of the problem.

Lastly, remember that trying to approach and solve a problem as a team can be fragile because you have to give space and freedom without criticism to each member.

We hope this information gives you some food for thought as you approach a specific problem.

I would love to hear your comments on using this approach.

How To Turn Problems Into Opportunities

Posted on February 19, 2021 by harborcapitalgroupinc

How To Turn Problems Into Opportunities

Being a founder or CEO of a growing company means you are always stressed to do more.

There is too much to do, too many problems to solve, and too little time to do it all.

Yet, on top of all that stress, you have issues that crop up almost daily.

So, how can you turn problems into opportunities and move forward?

Anyone can turn problems into opportunities using problem-solving techniques, and you don’t have to be a genius to do it.

However, you have to learn a little about the different kinds of problem-solving strategies and techniques.

20+ Problem-Solving Techniques

We are working on creating a series of over 20 ways anyone can turn problems into opportunities.

We explain how each one works. You can’t simply read one after another and understand that technique well enough.

You need to know if that technique works for you or if a different one would be better.

We encourage you to try each one. Some methods you can do quickly, and others take more time.

But, each one will teach you how to become a better problem-solver.

Your Mind Is Pre-Wired To Solve Problems

According to Danial Kahneman’s book: “Thinking Fast And Slow,” Your mind is pre-wired to go problem-solving.

It can switch your thoughts from thinking fast (having an instant answer or a Eureka! Moment)

to thinking slow (digging deep into your knowledge base for breakthrough ideas).

For example, Einstein’s theory of relativity. Your mind switches back and forth between the two thought processes as it searches for the answer.

This process lets you see a bigger picture and more problem-solving options.

In addition to fast and slow thinking, you need to have a positive attitude to solve problems.

You can’t focus on the negative (“why are sales slowing down”).

You have to reframe the negative problem into a positive (“how do we get customers to buy more”). That way, you are focusing on a positive solution.

Pretty easy so far, right?

Next, you can begin to look at the many problem-solving techniques that will help you solve your problems.

A good place to start is with Michael Michalko’s books, especially the “Thinkertoys” book with many problem-solving techniques.

He divides the techniques into two groups.

One group focuses on a linear method using words and illustrations to probe your thoughts.

Some people are more comfortable working with word concepts.

The second group of techniques is more intuitive and relies on intuition and insight to arrive at the solution.

People generally prefer one group over the other just based on their individual preferences.

There is no right or wrong technique.

You can use any of the techniques to solve your problem. You do want to become familiar with all of them.

Each has a unique way to structure and process information that leads to a solution.

Some techniques will seem easy, and you will like using them. Others may give you answers, but the process isn’t as comfortable as some others.

Also, some techniques will give you the confidence you need to believe that you will solve the problem.

Never underestimate the power of confidence. You have to believe you can solve the problem.

So you pick the technique that works best for you or try several of them on your problem to see what results you get.

All Problem Solving Techniques Will Be Covered

We will be covering all of these problem-solving techniques on our advisor platform.

But, you can’t simply read about a method and quickly move on to the next one.

You need to go through a problem-solving example so you can get the idea and feel of how that technique works.

Working through an example is the only way you can judge how they work and if you are comfortable with that specific problem-solving technique.

Three Factors That Will Help You Turn Problems Into Opportunities

Brian Tracy, in his book “Creativity and Problem Solving,” offers three factors, among many good ideas. That helps you be creative:

1. How intensely you desire a goal (the more you want to achieve that goal the more ways you will find to achieve that goal).

2. How serious the problem is to your life or business. Once you have identified what is holding you back from an important goal,

your mind will start generating ideas to solve that problem.

3. How do you focus on the question. (the more precise and focused you are on the question, the more rapidly your creative reflexes operate to generate workable answers

Using these problem-solving techniques, you will be able to

1. Generate ideas at will

2. Create new business opportunities

3. Modify ideas until you come up with innovative and powerful ideas

4. Improve old products, services, and processes

5. Develop solutions to complex business problems

6. See problems as opportunities,And much, much more

Conclusion

As an entrepreneur or CEO, our hectic lives are continually being interrupted by challenges and problems that need creative solutions, short-term, and long-term solutions.

And everyone is capable of innovative solutions.

It’s a matter of learning the methods and techniques of creative problem-solving and practicing them.

Remember, the worth of the idea you create will depend to some degree on the way you define your problems.

For example, write down the problem. Translate it into a positive opportunity. It is impossible to be creative if you are focused on a negative.

You have to look at the problem broadly. This broad approach is true for problem-solving techniques as well.

Try all of them and select the ones that work best for you.

We would love to hear your comments about problem-solving, good or bad.