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:
So, the formula starts with P... for Problem. - 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]
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.
5 Comments
Thanks Rick - I totally agree with your statement and like how you have packaged it. We often hear 'Don't bring me problems - bring me solutions' but we must first understand what the problem is to determine what the opportunity is that is being missed and then derive a solution.
Thanks for sharing Rick! Whenever I've managed teams, I've often encouraged them to refer to problems as challenges. Problems are rarely really a problem, and far more often than not do present an opportunity. Whether that is a business opportunity, or even an opportunity to learn from the challenge, it always leads to solutions, and innevitably, being better off in the end than you were before the problem.
I also wanted to take the opportunity to welcome you the the Waterloo MIN blog, and I look forward to hearing more of your insights!
I agree... love the formula. It is funny... as I ask my staff to come to me with Solutions... not problems.
HCEO=S-P
Translated ... Happy CEO equals solutions, not problems. :-)
Welcome Rick. I enjoyed reading your first blog. Since problems are unavoidable, it is definitely beneficial to have a more positive outlook on them.
I'm looking forward to the next "installment!
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