Last updated on Jun 30, 2024

You're facing colleagues who opt for quick fixes. How can you ensure sustainable problem-solving prevails?

When you're entrenched in a workplace where quick fixes are the norm, it can be challenging to pivot towards more sustainable problem-solving methods. However, it's essential to recognize that while these quick solutions may offer immediate relief, they often fail to address the underlying issues, leading to recurring problems. To ensure that sustainable problem-solving prevails, you must advocate for a deeper analysis and a more strategic approach that considers long-term implications and benefits.

1 Recognize Patterns

To move away from quick fixes, start by identifying patterns that indicate recurring issues. It's like playing detective in your own office; you need to look for clues that show where and why problems keep popping up. Once you've pinpointed these patterns, you can begin to understand the root causes. This understanding is crucial because it allows you to propose solutions that address the core of the problem rather than just its symptoms, leading to more permanent fixes.

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Rebekah Vlassis

Dynamic professional with success managing complex projects & streamlining operational processes. Skilled in empowering teams, fostering collaborative relationships & navigating challenges to facilitate project success.
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What has the companies results been from quick fixes? If they were undesirable results it would be a benefit to the team to be reminded how this has panned out historically. You can then refocus the team on the shared goal and present your solution to achieve long-lasting successes.

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Emilio Planas

Innovation, Sustainability, Circular Economy, Strategic Thinking , Strategic Planning ,Negotiation, Startups , International Trade, Supply Chain, Digital Business, Finance Managment, Business .
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Recognize patterns in past quick fixes by documenting their short-term and long-term impacts. Present this historical data to your colleagues, showing recurring issues and inefficiencies from quick fixes. Compare these with instances where sustainable solutions were implemented, emphasizing improved outcomes and long-term benefits. Use this analysis to advocate for a strategic approach, demonstrating that addressing root causes ultimately leads to greater efficiency and success

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2 Foster Dialogue

Engaging in open dialogue with your colleagues is key. It's about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives. This collaborative environment encourages a deeper dive into problems and fosters a collective commitment to finding lasting solutions. By valuing each other's input, you not only come up with more comprehensive solutions but also build a culture of teamwork and shared responsibility.

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Ankur Rohit

Lead Full-Stack Dev at BNY Mellon
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“The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed in the battle.” For sustainable problem solving skills to prevail in the team, it is important to have a healthy work environment and right culture in the team where each issue is looked at as a new learning opportunity. The team needs to be given a free hand to get to the root cause of the problem in a time boxed manner and it should be presented along with possible solutions to the entire team. Right people for the right job with diverse perspectives will be able to offer a robust solution with a foresighted view. The entire team will get an opportunity to learn from their methodical approach to the problem statement and be able to add more value themselves from next time.

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3 Educate Peers

Sometimes your colleagues may not be aware of the benefits of sustainable problem-solving. In such cases, it's your role to educate them. Share knowledge on the long-term advantages of addressing root causes over quick fixes. Use examples of past successes where sustainable solutions benefited the team. It's like planting seeds for a garden of solutions that will grow stronger and last longer than any temporary fix.

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4 Propose Alternatives

When faced with the inclination towards quick fixes, propose alternative solutions that are more sustainable. Present these options with clear reasoning and potential outcomes. It's like being a chef who suggests a healthier recipe as opposed to a fast-food option; it may take a little more time and effort, but the result is far more rewarding and beneficial in the long run.

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Devika Kapoor🐬
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One thing that might work in such a scenario is taking them through your process before showcasing the solution. Because the right solution is hidden in hindsight. So it might feel pretty obvious when told. But taking them through the entire journey of finding that solution for the root cause of the problem and not the surface level one and showing its long term potential and benefits will encourage them to take a similar route in future.

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5 Implement Strategically

Once you have buy-in for a sustainable solution, it's crucial to implement it strategically. This means setting clear goals, steps, and timelines. Think of it as building a house—you need a solid blueprint, quality materials, and a step-by-step plan. By being methodical in your approach, you demonstrate the effectiveness of sustainable problem-solving and set a precedent for future issues.

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6 Monitor Results

Finally, ensure that you monitor the results of your sustainable solutions. Keep track of progress and make adjustments as necessary. It's akin to nurturing a plant; you don't just water it once and walk away. You must tend to it regularly, making sure it's growing as expected. By showing that sustainable solutions lead to real improvements, you reinforce their value and encourage their continued use.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're facing colleagues who opt for quick fixes. How can you ensure sustainable problem-solving prevails?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Patterns

2 Foster Dialogue

3 Educate Peers

4 Propose Alternatives

5 Implement Strategically

6 Monitor Results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Problem Solving

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You're facing colleagues who opt for quick fixes. How can you ensure sustainable problem-solving prevails?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Patterns

2 Foster Dialogue

3 Educate Peers

4 Propose Alternatives

5 Implement Strategically

6 Monitor Results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Problem Solving

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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