When faced with a business problem, our natural inclination is to find a solution quickly. However, rushing to solve what appears to be the problem without first determining if it is truly the root issue can lead to wasted time and effort.
For example, if an employee requests a raise, the initial problem may seem straightforward: they need to be paid more. However, upon closer inspection, you may discover that the real issue is their feeling of unfairness compared to a coworker. By addressing the underlying cause instead of simply giving the raise, you can resolve the problem more effectively.
Similarly, a slow-paying customer may not necessarily have a financial constraint. The actual problem could stem from a negative experience with your service. You can improve customer satisfaction and payment speed by identifying and rectifying the service issue.
Acknowledging that the real problem may not be easy or comfortable to confront is crucial. It may require introspection to determine if your own actions contribute to the issue. While solving an easier problem may be tempting, addressing the underlying issue is essential to achieving lasting results.
Taking the time to identify the real problem before attempting to solve it can save you from wasted efforts. By addressing the root cause, you can effectively resolve the issue at hand and prevent it from recurring in the future.
