Proverbs 14 v 4 says, 'Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox'. Problems are inevitable as we follow our dreams. In this proverb, if you want increase and progress you have to be able to accept the 'problem' of a dirty trough or manger. Therefore a dirty trough becomes an unavoidable by product of work and progress. In any project, there can be great chaos behind the scene as people are working together. This can be expected but should always be resolved amicably.
In Nehemiah 5 there arose a great outcry amongst the people which had the potential to derail the whole building project. The people complained to Nehemiah concerning unscrupulous lending practices which caused them to lose their properties and even their children to slavery (Neh 5 v 1-12). The people had borrowed money from their brethren to pay tax, but their brethren demanded usury. Usury is charging very high interest rates that are often illegal and unjust. Because of the usury, the people were unable to repay, hence they lost their properties and all that they had.
Nehemiah intervened and called all the nobles and rulers who were doing this to stop their practices and restore to the people their belongings. Thus Nehemiah was able to defuse a situation which would have otherwise brought the whole project to a stand still. He had to act immediately, promptly and decisively. His ability to lead was tested as he resolved this crisis.
Problem solving skills
Whenever people work together towards a common purpose, problems and conflicts will arise. These may arise due to misunderstandings, lack of communication, flawed personalities or people not doing their part. In most cases these problems can be solved so that focus is restored to the main project. However this depends mainly on the quality of the leader at the helm. It is often said that anybody can steer a ship when the ocean is calm, but true leadership is revealed when sailing on stormy and rough waters. If leadership is lacking during a crisis, then what we face is actually a double crisis. It is therefore important to arm ourselves with problem solving skills to navigate through the rough patches of our journey.
Four steps of addressing a problem
1. Listen to the people
A wise man said listening is a skill. Fortunately, this skill can be acquired, learned and transferred. People are quick to give solutions without listening. I will argue that listening is the most important step in problem solving. When listening, try and put yourself in the 'shoes' of the other person. Listen to understand the background, context and problem. Listen actively and attentively; hear not only the words but the feelings. If necessary, ask clarity seeking questions. To be safe, repeat the problems back to the people to ensure that you heard them correctly.
2. Define the problem
You can only define the problem accurately when you listen. You need to know the problem intimately and understand it before you can even prescribe solutions. You cannot solve what you do not know. It is important to articulate the problem correctly so that you deal with the root causes and not artificially address symptoms. This will save you time at the end, and you will avoid the trial and error approach.
3. Prescribe a solution
After listening, it is now time for you to speak. This is now what distinguishes a leader from a follower. Anybody can identify problems, but few can bring solutions to the table. Anybody can complain, it is the easy part. Complainers and murmurers are always in the majority. But the world is looking for people with solutions. At this stage you communicate the solution, the plan and program of action. You do not only give hope, but you show practically how the status-quo can change for the better.
4. Act decisively and immediately
A good strategy, even if it is written on a glossy pamphlet is of no value if there is no implementation. It takes more courage, decisiveness and resoluteness to act. In short, it takes leadership. All the talk shops, meetings, and conferences are useless if their resolutions are not followed by corresponding action. It is only action that can change the problem. No amount of sympathy, no amount of well wishing can effect a necessary change.
James cautioned us correctly in this regard, 'But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22 NKJV). Action indeed speaks much louder than words. Many people have good intentions, and even say the right things, but they lack where it matters the most, ACTION. The above scripture says if you are not a doer you are deceiving yourself.
In conclusion, problems are like weeds in a garden, they must be removed. Failure to remove them has dire consequences. If not removed, they will divert resources meant for your plants to them, ultimately they will starve the plants. If not removed, you will have a poor harvest of plants at the end. Only seeing the weeds and acknowledging them as weeds is just the beginning. You have to get your hands dirty and remove the weeds.
No comments:
Post a Comment