Have you ever noticed how some people almost always find great solutions over and over again, even in situations where there seemed to be no successful path? Ever wonder how these people pull this off so consistently and at the same time make it look easy?
These types of people are highly effective problem solvers; they know how to read a situation, discern what the real problem is, and then come up with creative solutions that lead to win-win results. Individuals like this understand all too well the importance of addressing a problem at its root rather than dispensing Band-Aids for cuts and bruises or prescribing medications that only address the symptoms.
If becoming a highly effective problem solver sounds like a tall order to you, let me assure you that this is a skill you can learn as long as you’re open. Whether you think you are or you’re not, or you’re just looking to improve in this area of your personal growth, the goal of this article is to arm you with the information you need to achieve the results you want.
You will not only be able to find creative solutions to problems and/or problems, but also reach people on a much deeper level than you have been able to in the past. There is no greater connection than when you reach another human being on the level that is most real to him or her. It opens limitless new avenues of possibilities in relationships and in life.
OK… so you might be thinking I’m overly optimistic about the possible results you can achieve by becoming a highly effective problem solver… BUT… think about it for a moment.
Have you ever witnessed the transformation in people when you or someone else helps them solve a problem, especially one that has been a backbone for a while? They immediately rejoice, and at the same time, their level of gratitude increases. In many cases, people feel the need to pay you back or pay you back. It is inevitable that whenever you remove a block in someone’s life, that person instantly becomes more open to possibilities that they could not see let alone believe while the block existed.
Highly effective problem solvers are the kind of people others are drawn to without even knowing or understanding why. It’s the energy they give off that makes them magnetic, and their circle of influence grows with every problem they help someone solve. Highly effective problem solvers understand that problems are not solved by treating the symptoms, you should focus on addressing the root cause. This is the only way to create solutions with a positive and lasting impact.
If you really want to help others solve problems in their lives, stay. I think you will find this article enjoyable and informative. You’ll be able to apply the principles you read right away, and with practice, you’ll greatly improve your problem-solving skills and begin to see profound, impactful, and positive results in the lives of the people you help.
To become a highly effective problem solver, there are 3 elements of focus that, when honed and sharpened, will, in almost every case, help you achieve profound, impactful, and positive results. These 3 elements, all of Greek origin, are Ethos, Pathos and Logos.
First, let’s understand distinctive character and how it is applied.
Ethos encompasses your ethics and your reputation; the way you do things and how others see you through your actions. Are you a person who really wants to help others or are you just doing it for the glory?
Before a person can really be open to listening to you and taking instructions from you, they must first believe that your motives are genuine; otherwise your words will fall on deaf ears. Highly effective problem solvers are people who truly want to help others improve their lives by helping them solve the problems that plague them. Even if helping others solve problems in their lives isn’t your sole purpose in life, once you’re in this mode, there’s no question what’s driving your actions.
The ethos demands that you earn the right to do what you do; that you are worthy of the respect of your audience. In some cases, your reputation will have preceded you and your authority will have been established by your title, keys, or some advanced promotion or presentation. However, it is always important to provide a little detail as to why you are doing this; something that establishes or solidifies its integrity.
This seemingly small thing will not only provide your audience with a clear picture of why they want to listen to you, it will also penetrate the defensive walls people surround themselves with when they feel insecure. Also, once the walls come down, people instantly become more open to receiving the value you bring to the table.
Now, let’s take a look at Pathos.
Pathos speaks of your ability to empathize with others; feel their pain and truly understand their plight. In the role of helping others solve their problem, it is important that they first believe that you really understand what they are going through. It’s really simple; If you don’t or can’t understand what your audience is going through, how can you help them find the right solution? I have seen and heard many people give high level advice with low level understanding.
To strengthen your Pathos, there are 3 basic listening principles you need to practice.
First, remove all your preconceived notions or judgments about the situation. You must enter as a blank slate; a new canvas ready for a new drawing. This will increase your ability to listen not only to what is said, but also to what is often more importantly unsaid. If you are nonjudgmental, you can truly act in the best interest of the person you want to help.
Second, you must strive to understand the light of the person you are trying to help. Before formulating any opinion, response, or advice, you should first try to really understand and appreciate the person’s situation. Again, this only adds to the value of what you will offer because when you truly understand the problem a person is facing, it allows you to be creative in providing the right solution.
Third, clarify and repeat what you have heard and understood; be sure to ask if your assessment is correct. This gives the person room to clarify further if you haven’t hit the mark or just smile in relief when he or she agrees that you have, in fact, hit the mark. Most of the time, if you really want to help and are really listening with the intent to understand, you’ll hit the mark.
Practicing these 3 listening principles will certainly improve and strengthen your Pathos ability. It will show your audience that you are really listening with the intent to understand rather than with the intent to respond. Many people completely miss what you’re saying because they’re too busy thinking about what to say next.
When you strengthen your capacity for Pathos, your empathy will shine through and the person you are trying to help will recognize that you are really in this with them; they will feel understood, thus making them open to your advice, direction, and coaching.
Highly effective problem solvers are exceptional listeners; they understand that the reason they have two ears and one mouth is so they can hear twice as much as they speak. To achieve your goals as a highly effective problem solver, you must aim to become an astute listener. Your goal is to hear as clearly in chaos as you do in silence.
logos automatically strengthens by upgrading Ethos and Pathos.
Logos speaks of your capacity for logic and reasoning. Your audience needs to be sure that your advice is sound and your direction is in focus. Highly effective problem solvers recognize that to truly help someone solve a problem, you must be able to marry emotion with reason.
When you are exercising Pathos, you are validating the person’s feelings about their situation; you’re showing that you feel her frustration. When it comes time to provide a solution, the solution must make sense; it has to be based on facts, statistics and/or experience. Whatever conclusion you draw, you must be able to show a clear line to that conclusion. Your logic should be based on correct principles rather than emotions. Essentially, your audience needs to be sure that you know what you’re talking about.
This is where you have to put your ego aside. Even if after listening and understanding the situation, you feel that you are not the best person to help, logos demands that you direct the person to the best source that can help. Check your ego… check your ego… check your ego!
You don’t have to be a to know everything be a highly effective problem solver. Some of the most effective problem solvers are those who always know the right people and places to go for help. Many highly effective problem solvers are simply banks of exceptional resources that you can turn to for the answers you seek.
So remember, Ethos, Pathos and Logos – the great philosopher Aristotle thought of these 3 elements as an integral part of making a strong argument. It turns out that they are equally effective in the art of problem solving.
