[June 3, 2018] A friend of mine from New York City conveyed a story to me that framed a problem leaders often encounter when they rally people to a cause. He was at a political townhall to discuss public issues of concern to the residents. People jumped right in to complain to their elected officials but failed to start with the problem that led them to speak.
One lady spoke about the need for gun control. A man talked about the need to reduce speed limits within the city. Another asked the politicians to consider laws to ban sugary drinks. None of them identified a problem for which their “solutions” were allegedly designed to help.
In other words, neither identified a problem up front nor did they upon questioning. Finally, someone in attendance said that guns were bad and guns kill people, so banning them just made common sense. Others said reducing the speed limit was simply a good solution in itself and that the current speed limit posed no particular problem so why not reduce them even more.1
“Start with the problem, not the solution.” – Unknown person with common sense
I hear this all the time. Folks give solutions; defined by them as fair, compassionate, and obvious. But they fail to articulate clearly what the problem is about.2
I’ve personally seen this in senior leaders too, in trying to “get ahead of the curve.” They can get distracted by the close battle and ignore longer-term ramifications. Some have argued, as a way of explanation, that leaders today have allowed their sense of duty slip.
If we, as leaders, are to exercise our due diligence to those who follow us, then we will spend time validating and clearly communicating the size and priority of the problems we face. The lesson here is simple; when you offer solutions, begin with an accurate recognition and cogent description of the problem it will solve.
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- Interestingly, all the speakers were indignant at being asked why they were giving a solution to a problem without identifying it. They apparently felt that anyone who couldn’t see the inherent benefit to what they said was somehow out of touch.
- For example, the lady who was asking for gun control was told that violence with guns has been decreasing for decades in New York City (which already has one of the strictest gun laws in the nation) and only a few people who live in the city own guns. Any new law, she was told, would have no affect on criminals and that is why more restrictions had been rejected. She was angry that the officials had missed her point that banning guns was a good in and of itself.
What is interesting is that very little is written about this problem in leaders but it also seems to be a rather common problem, nonetheless. I would have hoped to find more on the subject. Don’t get me wrong, I like today’s article. I often go looking for greater depth of info too. Anyone finding any, please post it here. Thanks.
Good article today, Gen Satterfield … thank you.
I like to use the scientific method when I talk. That seems to do better because it follows a chronological sequence and uses the best data. Otherwise, people might think me a fruitcake.
Kenny, you got that right.
Logic is not everyone’s party.
A good start to my day when I read your blog. I recommend a future topic that goes into the decision making process. Thank you.
Yes, thumbs up on the recommendation.
You can slant it toward the medical field. Of course, I am a little biased here.
Tomorrow, Monday is a new workweek and a time to re-educate those who want leadership positions. I’ll begin it by talking about how easy it is to overlook the problem when discussing solutions.
Gen Satterfield, I had a similar experience. Like many of my compatriots here at http://www.theLeaderMaker.com, I found that many don’t know anything about the qualities that make for good leadership or for what makes for a satisfying and happy life. They are always complaining.
I agree. Start with the problem, not the solution:
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/kickstart/start-with-the-problem-not-the-solution/
Good article, thanks Anita.
Thank you Gen Satterfield for another good article to begin my day by.
Hey, too many overlook the obvious. Don’t be one of those leaders.
Thanks Gen Satterfield for another good article to start my day. I like the idea you address here that too many leaders have their attention focused elsewhere and not on communicating clearly what needs to be said. I’ve been on this issue for years and I still find it frustrating that it is so.
I had a similar experience in a recent town hall I attended with some state legislators. It was the citizens that showed their ignorance and was, frankly, embarrassing to me that my neighbors were so ignorant. They were also rude.
Too many leaders in the U.S. Army that I know are just like you describe. They are so focused on a “solution” that they don’t tell us clearly what the problem is or why it’s a problem.
Another great start to my morning with a cup of coffee, my dog, and reading theLeaderMaker.com. Thanks for a good article on an overlooked topic.
Too funny but too true. Cheers!
I agree Max.