I was visiting my mom this past week, sleeping in her guest room which had an AC wall unit. No one typically uses that room, so it stands to reason that she wasn’t aware the AC wasn’t properly working. It would turn on but after a few minutes, turn off, leaving a red light flickering.
I couldn’t sleep all night, but the next morning, she called her technician to come take a look. With screw driver in hand, he took apart the machine to discover that it was missing gas on the inside.
Wanting him to quickly solve the problem, I asked, “So, can you fix it?”
His answer said it all.
“I can put more gas in. But, if it’s missing gas, it means there might be a leak. If there’s a leak, we have to find out where the leak is. If it’s a big leak, it’s not worth fixing.”
Long story short, he discovered the leak, it was small, so worth fixing.
But it got me thinking about how often we are impatient when we discover a problem. We want quick fixes, immediate solutions, and instant relief. This desire for speed can sometimes lead us to overlook the root cause of the issue. Just like with the AC unit, if we only address the symptom without understanding the underlying problem, we might find ourselves facing the same issue again down the road.
In the workplace, this tendency can be particularly detrimental. When faced with challenges, leaders and employees alike may rush to apply band-aid solutions. While this might provide temporary relief, it rarely leads to long-term success. True problem-solving requires patience, thorough investigation, and sometimes, the willingness to make difficult decisions.
When I’m coaching burned out executives, it’s a similar journey. We have to discover why they burned out first before we can implement the solution. That’s because everyone burns out for different reasons. For one executive it’s because they’ve sacrificed everything for their job and they have nothing left in the tank. For another it might be that they feel unrecognized at work for their efforts, leaving them wondering, “So what’s the point?”
Regardless of what issue you’re facing, here are a few steps to effective problem-solving that we can learn from my AC unit experience:
1. Diagnose the Problem Thoroughly: Before jumping to solutions, take the time to fully understand the problem. Gather all relevant information and consider various angles. In my case, the technician didn’t just refill the gas; he checked for leaks first.
2. Consider the Long-term Impact: Quick fixes may seem appealing, but they often lead to recurring issues. Assess whether a temporary solution will suffice or if a more permanent fix is necessary. The technician’s approach ensured the problem was fully resolved.
3. Involve Experts: Sometimes, we might not have all the answers. It’s okay to seek help from those with more expertise. My mom’s technician had the knowledge and tools to identify and fix the leak, something we couldn’t have done on our own. As a burnout expert, I help my clients identify their blindspots, those areas they tend to overlook, either because they are too close to the issue or because they lack awareness in that particular aspect. Recognizing these can change how we approach and resolve problems.
4. Stay Patient and Persistent: Problem-solving can be a process. It’s important to stay patient and persistent, even when the solution isn’t immediately apparent. Had we insisted on a quick fix, the leak might have been overlooked, leading to further complications.
By applying these principles, we can address challenges more effectively and create lasting solutions. Whether it’s a malfunctioning AC unit, burnout recovery, or a complex issue at work, the key is to look deeper, think long-term, seek expert advice, and remain patient.
The next time you encounter a problem, remember that a thorough and thoughtful approach can make all the difference. Instead of just putting more gas in, take the time to find and fix the leak. Your future self will thank you.
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