Which category do you fall in – love the discipline or love solving problems?
In the workplace, people usually fall into one of two categories: those who love their discipline vs those who love solving problems. People who love solving problems make a bigger impact. Here's why.
In the workplace, people usually fall into one of two categories: those who love their discipline vs those who love solving problems.
People who love solving problems make a bigger impact. Here's why...
People who love their discipline see the world through their discipline. They look at all the discipline's tools and tactics and see where they can use them. Essentially, they become a "hammer" and everything looks like a "nail". Activities often become more important than outcomes.
People who love solving problems see the world through the people who have those problems (at least good problem solvers). They look at the problem and see what tools or tactics are needed to address issues. Outcomes become more important than activities.
People who love solving problems have a greater sense of self-accountability to outcomes and results. They aren't concerned about how something is done, but their concern is progress.
Here are patterns to look out for when coaching people who love their discipline more than solving problems:
they get excited about new techniques to try
meetings are often filled with exercises that hide deep critical thinking
they are constantly busy with tasks and seem to lack focus over a period of time
they are confused between stakeholder buy-in vs stakeholder communication
they depend on qualitative feedback loops vs measurable progress towards outcomes
Here are good questions to ask people who love their discipline more than solving problems.
What's the right problem we need to solve?
What business value are we delivering?
How are we measuring the work we're doing to the desired outcome?
Would you be happy with what you're busy with if you owned the business (and wanted to make money)?
What customer problems does your work align to?
How are you helping those you lead make a greater impact?