In the workplace, problems and challenges occur all the time. It’s always something … it’s either this or that.
Where will we put this?
Why can’t we find the inventory that the computer says exists?
Why are we out of stock for this standard item?
Why do we too often end up reacting instead of following a plan?
These challenges and problems are the reason that you were hired. Your job is to solve problems.
Unfortunately, some people come to work and only create more problems.
Are you part of the problem? Or are you part of the solution?
Those who create more problems give answers to the daily business challenges that sound something like this:
- The other guy didn’t do his job
- It won’t work
- We tried that before and it didn’t work
- We set up a procedure, but nobody uses it
- If we fix it, the guys in the factory will only break it again
- Blah, blah, blah …
Businesses exist to provide goods and services to customers and make a profit. The profit is used to grow, pay salaries, pay taxes, and to reward the hard work of an entrepreneur and the shareholders.
In the course of any business day, each and every employee is required to solve problems. The customer must be served. When the customer isn’t served—when problems aren’t solved—the business will die.
Leaders have the responsibility to create a culture of problem solving for individual employees to contribute. Words are not enough. Ideas must be encouraged and accepted. That is the challenge to the leaders.
The rest of the team needs to solve the daily problems. That is their challenge.
It’s work.
It’s hard work.
It needs to be done everyday.
Are you being creative and offering solutions to your workplace challenges on a daily basis?
Are you actively participating and being part of the solution?
Or … are you only part of the problem.
Next Blog Title: Bullying
Next Blog Date: March 25, 2013