by Rick Baker
On Apr 8, 2010
In his book ‘How to Position Yourself for Success’, Nido Qubein provides a summary of 7 ways to turn problems into opportunities.
7 Ways to Turn Problems into Opportunities
- Expect Problems...and be willing to tackle them head on
- Plan Solutions for Problems in Advance...so you are confident when they arrive
- Focus on Fixing the Problem not on Fixing the Blame
- Make sure you understand the Problem before you start to work on fixing it; ensure you are fixing the problem and not just a symptom
- Formulate several possible solutions to the problem and examine them
- Choose a solution and act
- Turn you back on the problem and face your next challenge
This meshes well with P=2S+O©.
For every Problem we should be able to come up with at least 2 Solutions. And, we should keep our eyes and ears open for great Opportunities, which often are hiding under Problems.
Several of Nido Qubein’s thoughts about problems resonate with me.
A couple of examples:
- We should not avoid problems. We should face them with courage and confidence [two of our Corporate Values]. And, even better we should expect problems and plan their solutions in advance. We can use the P=2S+O template to help us sort out our thoughts and create our plans. [download P=2S+O template]
- We should think of many solutions then compare them. In the past, I have been happy to see people present to me two solutions under the P=2S+O process. I have been reluctant to press for more than 2 solutions. I’m going to give that more thought.
More on problems, solutions, & P=2S+O© in future blogs…