I used to call myself a problem-solver. When faced with a problem, my approach was to try to fix it. It didn’t matter if it was my own or someone else’s problem, when I spotted it, I wanted to fix it. For me, that approach also meant that I became a problem spotter. I could see problems where other’s didn’t and I did not hold back telling them. In work, that approach expressed itself by a constant urge to improve processes, workflows and how things are done. Often, the problems I spotted where around a perception that something could be done better in order to be more efficient, have more tasks automated and building some sort of best practices or rule book.

That approach served me well most of the time. I was known for getting things done, for improving workflows and being generally very effective and productive. However, it can be tiring. If you are constantly looking for problems to fix and this is how you perceive to add value, it can be very draining.

Through coaching theory I learned about the differences between a problem-focused and a solution-focused mindset and…. what can I say, I found myself in wonderland! Here is what I learned:

With a solution-focused approach, you do not care so much about the problem, why it is there and how to fix it. You acknowledge it’s existence, but then you move on to a future-looking state where this problem simply does not exist. This often leads to new pathways that go around the problem or jump ahead of it. This approach often opens up possibilities that you would not have seen or considered if you stayed with the problem, analysing it’s root cause, shifting your focus to the past. Instead of fixing something, or making something better, you create a whole new way of doing or being, by sidelining the problem and focusing on the future.

In coaching, a solution-focused mindset helps us to imagine a life without the troubles we currently face. A solution-focused mindset opens our imagination to create solutions that match our own goals, leaving all problems behind us that don’t serve these goals. A solution-focused approach teaches us that often, the problems that we think we have, are just noise. They are not really connected to our own desires, aspirations, goals or our happiness. We somehow taught ourselves that things need to be fixed. But what if you just take that thing that causes problems out of the equation?

Pretend for a moment, that the problem doesn’t exist and open the mind to possibilities that were blocked from your view, because you were so pre-occupied with fixing a problem.

A solution-focused approach takes your mind away from what is wrong or broken, and instead focuses your attention on the art of the possible.

Research suggests some pretty amazing benefits of cultivating a solution-focused mindset (Braunstein & Grant, 2016):

• better mood

• higher levels of confidence

• increased self-awareness

• higher goal attainment

Sounds like the solution-finders have it all figured out, haven’t they?

As with everything in life - chocolate comes to mind! - moderation is the key.

I have learned over the years that the world is not black and white, but rather consists of all sorts of shades and certainly includes all the colours of the rainbow. It’s all about balance.

I personally identify much more as a solution-finder nowadays. However, sometimes we need to go back to the source. Sometimes, we need to visit the past, to understand where the problem originated, so that we can learn and grow from that. Only then can we apply our solution-finder focus towards a more creative and positive future. In my coaching I include the best from both worlds. I will encourage you to look for solutions, get creative and let your imagination run free. And if needed, we will briefly visit the past, look how something back then impacts you today and how you can build a new solution, a new pathway around it.

So, dear reader: where are you on this scale? Are you a problem-solver or a solution-finder?

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References

Braunstein, K., & Grant, A. (2016). Approaching solutions or avoiding problems? The differential effects of approach and avoidance goals with solution-focused and problem-focused coaching questions. Coaching: An International Journal Of Theory, Research And Practice, 9(2), 93-109. doi: 10.1080/17521882.2016.1186705