Look Deeper Before Jumping to Solutions
When a business problem arises, the natural instinct is to address it immediately. But here’s the catch: what looks like the problem might not actually be the real problem. Solving the wrong issue not only wastes time but also leaves the root cause untouched.
Example 1: The Raise Request
An employee comes to you asking for a raise. At first glance, the problem seems simple: they want more money. But in many cases, the real issue runs deeper:
- They may feel underappreciated or unfairly treated compared to a coworker.
- They might have a misunderstanding about what others earn.
- The request could be a reaction to broader dissatisfaction rather than a true desire for higher pay.
Jumping straight to granting or denying the raise won’t resolve the underlying concern—and the unhappiness will likely remain.
Example 2: The Slow-Paying Customer
A customer delays payment. The easy assumption? They can’t afford to pay. But what if the real problem is that they weren’t happy with the service? Instead of voicing the issue, they’re showing their dissatisfaction by withholding payment. If you only focus on collections, you’ll miss the chance to fix a deeper customer relationship problem.
The Hard Truth: Sometimes You Are the Problem
The toughest problems to solve are often the ones that involve ourselves. It’s much easier to deal with surface-level issues than to face the possibility that our own leadership style, communication gaps, or decisions might be at the root of the problem.
Why This Matters
If you spend all your energy solving the wrong problem, you haven’t solved anything at all, you’ve just wasted time and resources. Taking a step back to identify the real issue may feel uncomfortable, but it ensures your solutions actually move the business forward.
Before rushing to fix what’s in front of you, pause and ask: “Is this really the problem?”
That extra step will save you from chasing the wrong solution and help you resolve the issues that truly matter.
