Carly Fiorina is a leader and a seasoned problem-solver. She worked her way from secretary to CEO by problem-solving her way through her career and eventually becoming the first woman to lead a Fortune 50 company, Hewlett Packard in 1999.
Life comes with problems, that much we know. It’s very rare that we live for two days in a row without facing a problem(s). Everybody has problems but not everybody solves them, or worse, not want to even deal with them. It is so much easier and convenient to run away and avoid problems instead of facing them head-on, finding a solution and taking the next step. We can only escape our problems for so long before reality catches up to us and we begin to reap from our actions. Problem-solving requires a positive attitude, effort, and commitment.
So the next time you come across a problem…
- Face reality! Admit and accept the fact that you have a problem. This attitude will help you move onto the next step.
- Take the problem as it is, don’t add to it and don’t make it bigger. Don’t go down a path could only lead to more problems…a rabbit hole. Instead, try to simplify it, break it up in smaller chunks if necessary.
- Once you get going, momentum starts to take place which creates energy and moves things in a positive direction.
- Step into a problem believing that there is always a solution. Try not to discourage yourself when you face a problem that seems too big and un-solvable. Take a step back and then approach it from a different angle.
- Look for opportunities and lessons as your face problems; this is where personal growth takes place.
Running away from the problem only creates a greater gap between you and the solution. The best way to escape the problem is by solving it.
