Some time ago, I made up the math formula P=2S+O.
It means, for every Problem there are always Solutions and there are often hidden Opportunities.
P=2S+O is a philosophical statement.
P=2S+O is a positive-thinking tool.
P=2S+O is a problem-solving tool.
In a series of a few blogs, I will explain things from the philosophy behind P=2S+O to the practical value it provides for problem-solving.
Perhaps the best starting point is “P”.
P = Problem
“You can’t start a formula with Problems. That’s pessimistic. You must start with Solutions or Opportunities!”
“You can not call problems Problems. You need to come up with a less-negative description.”
I’ve heard that.
I have disagreed.
Problems are Problems.
We do not need to make it prettier or any more complicated or any more palatable than that.
This ‘let’s just call problems Problems’ approach ties in with two other pieces of philosophy I embrace:
- Seek Simple [when things are straightforward, keep them that way]
- Seek Obvious [more on this later, or Google ‘Obvious Adams’ if you can not wait]
So, the formula starts with
P... for
Problem.
For every Problem there are at least 2 Solutions and there may be hidden Opportunities.
Bosses tend to buy into this.
Bosses have said things like, “Don’t bring me problems - show me solutions.”
And, that’s the main reason the formula P=2S+O was created. It was designed to help business people convert Problems into Solutions. Later, a ‘worksheet/template’ – a hands-on tool – was developed to help people.
At the next blog, I will provide the worksheet/template and more discussion of – Why use P=2S+O?
Also, I will explain why spending time thinking about Problems is not the work of a pessimist…it is the work of a realist.