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Volume 2, Number 1
04-19-99

In the last edition, we pondered some words of wisdom that set the stage for coping with unwelcome change and adversity. Now we will look at the personal qualities and characteristics that effective problem-solvers seem to have in abundance. Science proposes that the only true constant in the universe is change. It would follow then, that our ability to survive and to thrive are dependent on our capacity to cope with change successfully. In the face of adversity, "who" a person is being (i.e., which of the vast repertoire of one's qualities and characteristics one chooses to express) may be as predictive of the outcome as the strategies and resources employed to cope with the challenge. This Tim's Top Ten List was adapted from an earlier work written by Thomas Leonard, founder of Coach University.

TIM'S TOP TEN TRAITS OF EFFECTIVE PROBLEM-SOLVERS

1. ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
   They have an approach to life (and its challenges) that primes them for success, regardless of whether they receive what they had hoped for or not. They are thankful for life's lessons as well as its rewards. They find value in every outcome … and leverage each outcome to produce the greatest good.
   
   
2. OPPORTUNISTIC OBSESSION
   Effective problem solvers routinely see problems as opportunities, a chance to learn something new, to grow, to stretch, to contribute, to succeed where others have failed, or just to prove "it can be done." These opportunities are often concealed within the intricacies of the situation and have to be teased out. Effective problem solvers thrive on discovering them. Underlying this disposition is a deeply held conviction that, with adequate preparation and appropriate action, the right answer will come.
   
   
3. SELF-ISH SENSIBILITY
   In order to maintain perspective and to avoid getting consumed by the challenges they address, effective problem solvers take great care to make sure their personal needs are well met, and that they have a reserve of time, energy, and emotional space to work from.
   
   
4. SHIFTY CHARACTER
   For effective problem solvers, standing in the other person's shoes comes naturally. They consider every position as if it were their own. This ability to shift perspectives quickly and easily is a key characteristic of effective problem solvers.
   
   
5. SUSPICIOUS NATURE
   Seasoned coaches, for example, know that the initial definition of the problem as offered by a client is often incorrect or incomplete. Initial definitions of the problem are often just descriptions of the symptoms of, or reactions to, the root problem. Coaches learn to look carefully at statements such as, "obviously, the problem is that…" and include their own insights as they help the client define, refine, and re-define the true (source) problem.
   
   
6. INTUITIVE INSIGHT
   Somewhere during the latter stages of the fact-finding (problem description) process, effective problem solvers experience what can best be called "inklings," or gut-level feelings about the situation. When this happens, they listen, hypothesize, test and re-test what they intuit. They also realize that while intuition may be partially innate, it is largely a developed faculty. Like any other skill, it can only be developed through practice.
   
   
7. RELATIONALLY RATIONAL
   The scientific community is increasingly recognizing that the world and all its processes are fundamentally non-linear. Things happen relationally, in pairs, triads and groups; and often don't follow traditional lines from past to present and cause to effect. In such an environment, where synchronicity and simultaneity rather than linearity prevails, past experience must be taken with a grain of salt. Seasoned problem solvers know the pitfalls of relying solely on what worked in the past as a template to resolve current challenges or to plan future events. They learn to expect the unexpected, illogical, non-linear, and seemingly serendipitous solutions.
   
   
8. CONFLICT COURTING
   When the stakes are high in a problem situation, the involved parties are often reluctant to show their hands in fear of giving away too much. Effective problem solvers neither instigate conflict nor run from it. Rather they dance with it, gleaning information necessary for a lasting resolution. In this way, conflict management can be an effective tool for flushing out the real facts of a situation.
   
   
9. CONSENSUS CONSCIOUSNESS
   Once the problem is accurately defined and "best response" formulated, just going along via tacit agreement isn't enough. Effective problem solvers gain agreement and commitment from the parties involved. They get explicit statements from all parties that they concur with the plan of action and are willing to commit to the solution.
   
   
10. PERMANENT PERSPECTIVE
    Effective problem solvers invariably go beyond solving the immediate problem to seeking permanent solutions. Symptomatic problem solving, like bad surgery or dentistry, leaves part of the decay untouched. Over time this results in festering and the erupting of problems which are often more serious than the initial one. A permanent solution is one that stays solved and doesn't come back to bite you. At best, just solving the problem at hand brings you to the present, to a point you might call ground-zero. Truly effective problem solvers push further. They go beyond simply solving the problem to establish structures and policies that prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. Permanent, as opposed to "Band-Aid" or quick fix, solutions have three main features. First, they address all aspects of the problem; second, they are win/win in that they offer acceptable benefits to all parties involved; and third, more than simply remove a problem, they work synergistically with other initiatives and actions to further progress on critical goals.
    
    And now, a bonus/ teaser:
    
    
11. METHODICAL MENTALITY
    Effective problem solvers are very systematic in their approach to challenges. They typically have a preferred model, or use one of several depending on the nature of the problem at hand. Perhaps the most common problem-solving model is the old consulting acronym: DACR/S, the letters of which stand for Describe, Analyze, Conclude and Recommend/Solve. As with many formulae, its usefulness stems from the step-by-step approach it represents. Effective problem solvers take the steps in order and apply them literally. Stay tuned for the next "Salubrations" which will describe an effective general problem-solving model in detail.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Tim Cline is a graduate of Coach University, and has recently earned the designation of Professional Certified Coach. He supports people in attaining what they REALLY want out of life. From planning through completion, Tim coaches his clients in taking the actions needed to reach their goals and to enjoy a true sense of fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. Tim coaches individuals and groups around the country via telephone. His services also include motivational speaking, workshops, seminars, and retreats. An experienced scientist, health educator, psychotherapist, project manager, consultant, athlete, fitness trainer and skills training specialist, Tim is well qualified to coach anyone who is interested in attaining good health, career success, personal growth, spiritual development, relationship fulfillment, financial success, and in leading a balanced, prosperous life. Use the contact information below to schedule a free consultation.

Copyright 1999 by T. R. Cline. All rights reserved