For every Problem, there are at least 2 Solutions and there may also be some hidden Opportunities.

Link to P=2S+O worksheet/template.
[click to download]

In the first blog of this series I mentioned realists should call problems Problems. That is, we will do better if we don’t mince words or try to pretty up words in an effort to make sure other folks see us as optimists or positive-thinkers.

Clarity is important.

I ended the last blog saying, “We encourage our people to seek out Problems”.

Why?

There are many reasons why we say and do these things:

• Communication improves when words are straightforward and simple
• Problems are catalysts for business Change
• Change brings progress
• Solution-orientation is the best direction
• Simple tools improve both communication and results
• Every Problem does have many Solutions...so, thinking of 2 isn’t that tough a challenge
• Opportunities do ‘ride on the wings of adversity’...not all the time, but sometimes

The better question is, Why Not!

• Why Not force ourselves to spend quality time with Problems!
• Why Not force ourselves to come up with multiple Solutions for our Problems!
• Why Not force ourselves to think about Opportunities every time we think about Problems!
• Why Not force ourselves to write all this down simply and clearly on one page!
• Why Not share these pages with our co-workers!
• Why Not show our bosses Solutions...regularly!
• Why Not show our bosses Opportunities...from time to time!

P=2S+O is a piece of business philosophy.

P=2S+O is about thinking...thinking aimed at success.

More on this in the next blog...