Something we all
seem to have in common is problems. Some see problems and give up immediately. Others
thrash about or throw money at their problems with the predictable results that they
continue without resolution, often getting worse. People carp, duck and hide, pull their
hair, cry, or lash out, but their problem is seldom solved in a way that's best for all
parties involved.
People who solve
problems seem to have several traits in common:
#10 - Problem-solvers get a good fix on reality. They do not
spend a lot of time in dreamland, wondering about what coulda been or woulda been if
things were different. Things are not different -- problem-solvers know this and
act accordingly.
#9 -
Problem-solvers do not gripe and do not make trouble for others.
#8 -
Problem-solvers are self-starters. They do not wait for someone else to point out there is
something wrong. And they don't wait for someone else to tell them how to fix it.
#7 - Problem-solvers do not keep lists of grievances. They may
keep a few objective examples of a problem to use as evidence when problem-solving
discussions arise.
#6 - Problem-solvers engage their imaginations to come up with
new solutions they can try out, and they have the guts to go forward as they test their
solutions.
#5 - Problem-solvers do not look to others for assurances that
cannot be delivered. They know who does and does not make decisions, and try to work with
those who do.
#4 - Problem-solvers are nimble-minded, tough-love optimists who
work tenaciously to solve the problems facing them.
#3 - Problem-solvers are capable of allying themselves with
others so that if a problem goes beyond their personal abilities, they can make use of the
talents of others.
#2 - Problem-solvers effectively juggle their entire load of
problems so all get resolved. They don't let any one problem so dominate their attention
(except in emergencies), that they can't multitask. Here they attend to one problem. A few
minutes later they're busy solving another. They don't make everything else wait until
something is solved completely. They work on multiple fronts as best they can.
And the number one attribute:
#1 - Problem-solvers go the extra mile to solve problems and to
help others solve their problems. They value win-win solutions whenever they are possible.
