Ask Dr Edy Tip #2 Stuck on a Problem? Check your level & your politics.
Tip #2
As successful humans and managers, we capably define and solve the majority of our problems. Precisely because we are accustomed to feeling competent in that way, struggling with a tenacious problem can not only be annoying but also emotionally depleting. Next time, you might try asking yourself these two questions:
First, are you examining the problem at the correct level? For example, if you see a conflict between two individuals in your team, could it be that the problem's cause is not entirely at the individual level? Instead, move up a level and consider the how the roles they are assigned or your organizational structure could be contributing to the conflict. Similarly, ask yourself if the solution set you are considering addresses all necessary levels. Remedying interpersonal conflict, for example may require changes in team norms, leadership, and/or even organizational structure in addition to changing individual behaviors.
Second, have you checked your politics? Are you sure that you're not rejecting reasonable or obvious solutions because they are politically difficult or because a preferred stakeholder (e.g. you or your team) stands to lose something. Unfortunately (says the 4-year-old in each of us), politically difficult or temporarily unpopular solutions need to be considered carefully before they're dismissed.
Next time you've got a tough problem, call up some of your intellectual discipline to check your level and your politics. You'll not only get a good solution but you'll avoid the emotional depletion of thinking that you can't. Remember, you didn't get to where you are without the wisdom and courage to make good decisions.
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Here are some of our previous tips!
Ask Dr Edy Tip #1 Affirmations Instead of Resolutions
December 2006
Brains and behaviors are resistant to change. Consider using knowledge about them to your advantage in the New Year. If you're trying to change an attitude or behavior in 2007, consider writing the outcome you want on a 3 x 5 card and reading it aloud at least once daily (ideally before bedtime). Neuro-linguistic programming research and social experience tell us that affirming the sought out behavior daily will help make it part of your belief system and so help create the change you want.
If you really prefer New Year's resolutions, psychology studies have shown that the earlier the commitment to act in a specific way, the more likely one is to do so. So, for example, if December 24th you commit yourself to having only 2 drinks on New Year's eve, you are simply more likely to succeed than if you made that same commitment while dressing on December 31st. (Not to mention that you'd also have had time to make that outcome even more likely by affirming your decision daily with one of those little 3 x 5 cards.)
