The Sisyphus Comments

Be A Problem Solver – Not A Problem Identifier

Thank goodness that we have those folks who can see all the problems within our agencies. I don’t know what we would do without their input. I wonder where they all go when it comes time to solve the problems that they are so good at identifying.

Are you a problem identifier or a problem solver? There is nothing wrong with pointing out problems provided you are prepared to take the next step and offer a solution or two. When you offer solutions to the problems you identify, it shows that you are a thinker and a problem solver.

If you are a supervisor, don’t let your subordinates get away with dumping problems on your shoulders. Use comments like, “That’s a good observation. What do you suggest that we do to solve that problem?” Another option is to try something a little more creative. For instance, I keep a little stuffed monkey in my office for those times when someone tries to hand their problem off to me. I simply toss them the monkey and remind them not to try to “put their monkey on my back.”