Ideas Worth Sharing

Problems = Improvements
Summer 2010
Greg Elam
Principal
Solution House - Consultants
SolutionHouse@swbell.net
EVERYBODY ENDS UP with a surprise problem at some point. Either a boss, a vendor, a facility, a speaker … or even a storm can and will present to you a really significant challenge. The next time that happens, consider that you have at least two choices: either fight the situation, or accept it as real and put your mind to not only solving the circumstance, but to using it as an opportunity to improve on your planned program.
Does that sound “Pollyanna” to you? Not so, dear reader. I have heard many delightful stories … and have lived through a number of my own. Your process for solving your dilemma could include:
Rule # 1 is to define what the problem represents to you - Site change? Program change? Concept change? Pattern change? Content change?
Rule # 2 is to set out to take advantage of the challenge and do something better or differently or more cleverly. You will always be graded on results, not problems. Just remember that you are alert and you can get help that you’ve probably overlooked.
But do believe this: an unexpected problem offers to you the chance to show your value by finding a way to not just “solve” the situation, but to also make the program actually better, or more interesting, or more exciting, or more valuable to attendees and your company. It can and it will work to your advantage if you choose to see the situation as offering an opportunity.
Have faith in yourself and your resources.
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