🕑 1 min Read
It's easy to get so fixated on solving a problem that you miss the bigger picture about what you actually want! I ran a session on February 13th called "Problem Solved? Or Opportunity Missed?" and it sparked some interesting thoughts about how we approach challenges.
It all boils down to this: solving a problem doesn't automatically get you where you need/want to be.
Two metaphors/examples:
The Pothole: Instead of fixing an annoying pothole on the road, what if you reframe the goal as simply getting to work safely? Suddenly, new options appear and might just choose a different route :)
The Traffic Jam: Instead of fixating on finding the person who caused the jam through an accident, what if we focused on the larger goal of smooth traffic flow? Lowering the speed limit, counterintuitively, can improve traffic flow (actual example from the UK).
💡 Light Bulb Moment: Don't get stuck in problem-solving mode. Ask yourself: What do I actually want to achieve? What's the ideal outcome?
This shift in perspective can unlock new possibilities and lead to more effective solutions. It's a core principle in professional coaching – helping people define their goals and then empowering them to find their own path forward, which may be surprisingly different!
Maik
Maik Frank
Maik is a PCC Executive Coach and the founder of IntelliCoach.com. He has coached and trained over 400 People Leaders to improve their communication skills and offers guaranteed measurable growth to his clients. He also hosts the Coaching Leader Podcast.
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