Solution-Oriented Business Approach: A partygoer’s parallel

Solution-Oriented Business Approach: A partygoer’s parallel

Posted : November 15th, 2023

Navigating Business Challenges: How an Attendee’s Ripped Open Back Zipper on Over-the-Knee Boots parallels a Solution-Oriented Business Approach

Imagine attending a lively New Year’s Eve party.

Just as you start climbing up the stairs, you hear a sudden snap – the back zipper on your over-the-knee boots has ripped open.

This experience mirrors the challenges that can arise in running a business. Just as a broken zipper can be a setback at a social gathering, various hurdles can arise in the world of business.

In the next paragraphs, we’ll explore how this partygoer’s experience parallels the approach one should take when encountering challenges in a business setting. We will also provide tips on how a manager can progressively train their mind to be less problem-focused and more solution-oriented.

Step 1: Panic

In high-pressure situations, it’s natural to experience a brief moment of panic. Just like the initial shock of a broken zipper, the suddenness of a business challenge can momentarily unsettle even the most composed manager.

However, what sets effective leaders apart is their ability to swiftly regain control of their thoughts.

Identifying that you are in the panic stage is crucial. You may notice a sudden surge of adrenaline, a sense of being overwhelmed, the urge to curse, your body shaking, and the inability to arrange your thoughts in a logical manner. It is important to acknowledge these feelings, as this awareness will enable you to transition from panic to a more constructive problem-solving mindset.

The panic stage should only last for a few seconds as it is not a constructive stage.

Step 2: Take a Step Back

Now that you’ve recognized your panic stage, you must take a step back in order to regain access to your managerial brain.

Taking a step back in this context means allowing yourself a moment to pause, gather your thoughts, and regain composure.

Sit on the stairs for a few minutes, remove the broken boot, and breathe. In a business context, you may step away from your desk and go get a refreshing glass of water, take a short bathroom break, step outside for some crisp air, or find a quiet space to collect your thoughts. Alternatively, you might engage in a brief mindfulness exercise to regain focus. These actions allow you to temporarily distance yourself from the intensity of the situation, providing a fresh perspective when you return.

Remember, it’s crucial not to neglect this step, as it can significantly improve decision-making in high- pressure situations. Instead, we recommend finding ways to shorten and efficiently enhance this step.

Step 3: Revisiting Your Goals- Keep Your Eyes on the Celebration

Now that you’ve regained control of your managerial mindset, you can enter the productive phase of the Solution-Oriented approach.

In this step you should recall your primary goals regarding the situation at hand. Instead of fixating on the problem, approach it with the intention of finding a viable solution.

Attending this New Year’s Eve event, the partygoer’s main objective is to have an enjoyable time and wish a happy New Year to those you care about at the sound of midnight.

Similarly, in a business context, your overarching goals may involve achieving specific milestones.

For instance, if a crucial piece of manufacturing equipment experiences a breakdown, the primary aim remains to fulfill customer orders on schedule. In the event of a supply chain disruption, your central goal is to ensure sufficient stock availability. If an online booking glitch occurs, the primary focus is to guarantee that customers can seamlessly continue making reservations.

Revisiting your goals not only serves as a reminder of what truly matters in the situation, but it also provides a clear framework for making decisions that align with your overarching objectives. This focused approach ensures that your efforts are directed towards finding solutions that best lead to the successful achievement of your primary aim.

Step 4: Chart Your Course, but Stay Agile

Next, compile a list all available solution. The critical question remains: How can I accomplish the objective outlined in step 3? When a project encounters unanticipated hurdles, don’t shy away from considering alternative approaches to get to your goal.

It is imperative to keep an open mind at this stage because this level of flexibility fosters innovation and leads to more effective problem-solving.

As the partygoer, could I attend the gathering barefoot? If I choose to do so, would I still achieve my goal of enjoying the event?

Could we accept reservations via text or email in the event of a website outage? Can we arrange for in- person order pickups to maintain adequate stock levels? Should we consider engaging administrative staff in the production process to address any delays stemming from equipment malfunctions and ensure timely order fulfillment?

Every idea, no matter how unconventional, holds the potential to be a viable solution. Remember, the key is to explore the different ways to attain your primary goals.

Moreover, when relevant, managers should actively engage suitable team members or stakeholders in the process of generating solutions, guaranteeing a broad spectrum and expertise and perspective.

Step 5: Evaluate Solutions for Feasibility and Impact

After generating a list of potential solutions, it is now time to thoroughly assess each one in terms of resource availability, implementation time, likelihood of success, and overall impact.

Resource availability:
Evaluate whether necessary resources like personnel, budget, equipment, or materials are readily accessible.

For instance, if the solution involves going home to retrieve a new pair of boots, the partygoer must consider if finding a cab or uber, especially on a busy occasion like New Year’s Eve, will be feasible.

Similarly, in a business setting, if phone bookings are proposed, the manager should ensure that there are enough phones and customer service representatives available.

Implementation Time:
This refers the entire duration from planning to execution, including any additional steps needed for the solution to become operational.

If returning home is part of the party attendee’s solution, they should consider whether there is enough time to do so and return to the party in time to celebrate the New Year at midnight. Remember one of the primary objectives is to extend New Year’s greetings to everyone at the party when the clock strikes midnight.

Expanding on the equipment malfunction scenario, you should consider how long it will take for untrained administrative staff to produce the required number of items for the order. Will we meet the client’s deadline?

Likelihood of Success:
Based on past experiences, available resources, and industry knowledge, assess the probability that a proposed solution will effectively address the issue at hand and achieve the desired outcome.

In regard to stock management, if you’ve previously attempted to organize order pickups internally, it’s important to reflect on the success of those endeavors. Did we manage to secure the necessary stock safely and on time? This assessment provides valuable insights into the reliability and effectiveness of the chosen solution.

Overall impact:
Consider how the proposed solution aligns with the overall goals and objectives as well as any impact on future events.

For instance, if the partygoer chooses to work barefoot to the year end party, it may certainly help achieve the main goal, nonetheless the attendee should also weight in the potential social consequences of being known as the “barefoot person” for months to come. Certainly, this action is bound to attract the attention of a few other guests.

On the other hand, involving administrative staff in production may have a direct impact on product quality, potentially affecting client relations.

It is imperative to remember that in urgent situations, swift action is crucial.

Focus on solutions that can be implemented quickly and have a high likelihood of success, even if they require reallocating resources or adjusting priorities. This amplifies your ability to address the pressing issue promptly and effectively.

Step 6: Implementing Preventive Measures

Having successfully addressed the zipper issue with a clever trick passed down through generations, (a secure pin, and a pair of scissors), the partygoer must now reflect on how to prevent themselves in a similar predicament. Should one steer clear of such boots altogether, always carry a spare pair of flats, or diligently inspect zippers before every event?

In a solution-oriented approach, you must proactively implement preventive measures, drawing valuable insights from setbacks to ward off future challenges.

For example, the efficient manager may opt to establish a more stringent routine maintenance schedule for equipment to prevent failure.

In the booking website illustration, the manager could explore upgrading platforms for customer bookings, reducing the risk of technical glitches.

By taking these proactive measures, you not only fortify operations but also demonstrate a dedication to continuous improvement and readiness.

Conclusion

In both social gatherings and business environments, unexpected challenges are bound to arise. Embracing a solution-oriented mindset, akin to the partygoer’s resourcefulness in dealing with a ripped open zipper, is vital for your success.

By focusing on your primary objectives while exploring even the most unconventional path, you will pave the way for innovative solutions, and expand our problem-solving toolkit.

Mastering theses few steps will maximize resource optimization, timely implementation, and successful outcomes.

So, put on your solution-oriented mindset and approach every business challenge with determination and ingenuity – success is just around the corner.