Zig Ziglar On Problem Solving

Fortunately, problems are an everyday part of our life.
Consider this: If there were no problems, most of us would
be unemployed. Realistically, the more problems we have
and the larger they are, the greater our value to our
employer.

Of course, some problems are small, like opening a ketchup
bottle. Others are monumental like a seriously ill or injured
child or mate, which present ongoing, daily complications.
Successful living comes when we learn to handle those
business and personal problems with as little fanfare as
possible.

The successful business executive can handle challenges
and solve problems at a remarkable clip. He/she makes
quick and final decisions as a result of years of experience.
The homemaker with small children at home handles many
"catastrophes" each hour with the same dispatch.

Many people use counter-productive methods to deal with
problems: They refuse to recognize them, deny responsibility
for them, pretend they will go away if they ignore them, or
are just flat insensitive to them.

The first step in solving a problem is to recognize that it does
exist. Next, we determine whether the problem is our
responsibility. If the answer is yes, we must determine how
serious and/or urgent it is. When that last determination is
made, we either take immediate action if the problem is
simple and quickly solvable or develop a plan of action and
prioritize it if the solution is more difficult and time-
consuming.

Problem solving becomes a very important part of our
makeup as we grow into maturity or move up the corporate
ladder. I encourage you to take the time to define the
problem correctly, learn the skill of quick analysis and
remember, if it weren't for problems in your life, your position
might not be necessary in the first place. Ironing out the
wrinkles and solving the problems is what most jobs are
about. Think about it, and I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

. . .Adapted from Something Else To Smile About, by Zig
Ziglar. Look for this popular inspirational book at your
favorite online or off-line bookstore.