5 Reasons Why Finding Problems Should be Your Priority

Without finding problems you will never be able to solve them

Finding problems shouldn’t be that difficult in a world becoming crazier than ever. This could be your first reaction, but do you separate problems from complaints?

Consider this: when problems arise, our initial responses often lean towards complaints. As humans, we excel at pointing out how things shouldn’t be. But how many of us possess the skills to conduct systematic research to identify these problems? This is where the power of problem finding lies-it’s a skill that can be developed, empowering us to take charge of the situation.

Have you ever heard a boss say, “Bring me solutions, not problems?”

Back in the old days, such a statement used to make good sense. Why would you want to hunt for problems? You get paid for solving problems! In today’s world, things are changing, and are doing it at high speed. In the past, problem finding was often a reactive process, with individuals or organizations identifying issues as they arose. However, with access to all kinds of sources due to the digitalization of the world, most people already know what their problems are, and problem finding has become a proactive and continuous process.

I still remember my first car, a Volvo Amazon, which, by the way, was an excellent car. If the engine started to sound strange, you had to find a technician who would first have to find the problem and then make the corresponding repair.

With today’s cars, a warning light comes on the dashboard even before you know a problem exists. Technology finds problems with your car before you know anything about it.

Finding Problems is a Skill Making You Professional

The most creative and successful business people are and will always be the ones who can find problems that no one else sees. The next step is to develop an answer and solution to the problem found.

Before Bill Gates invented Microsoft, you needed to be a highly qualified programmer to even touch a computer. Bill Gates found the problem and developed a program that anyone with minimum training could handle.

Steve Jobs could see how digitalization, the Internet, and automation were heading in one direction…UP!

At the same time, mobile phones started becoming devices people use on a daily basis. Steve Jobs saw the underlying problem and developed the first smartphone. Within record time, Apple, with its iPhone, took over the market’s leadership. Similarly, Thomas Edison, with his electrical bulb, and James Watt, who invented the first steam engine, which initiated the Industrial Revolution, are all examples of successful problem finding and innovation.

Going back in history, more entrepreneurs should be mentioned, like Thomas Edison, who invented the electrical bulb, and James Watt, who invented the first steam engine, which initiated the Industrial Revolution.

No one saw them as problems in all these cases because no one knew their existence.

So, why is the skill of finding problems more important than solving already existing problems? There are probably many reasons, but the following five are, in my opinion, the most important ones, especially in the digital age.

To take control of your problem-solving by first finding the problem, stepping out of your comfort zone is mandatory.

Innovation

Problem finding is the first step in the innovation process. It allows organizations and entrepreneur-minded people to identify new opportunities and create new products, services, and processes that can give them a competitive edge.

“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat.”

Steve Jobs

Think about it for a while. Isn’t the entire online environment an excellent example of innovation? The truth is that the last 50 years probably have been the most innovative in history. And guess what? This is just the beginning!

Adaptability

Finding problems helps organizations anticipate and proactively address potential issues rather than simply reacting to problems as they arise. This makes them more adaptable and resilient in an ever-changing business environment.

“Adaptability is the simple secret of survival.”

Jessica Hagerdorn

Only some innovations imply an immediate need in the market. Entrepreneurship is about adaptability, creating the correct “package” for your product or service, and finally presenting something highly demanded in the market.

Growth

Problem finding is essential for business growth and expansion. Identifying new problems and opportunities can lead to new markets, products, and revenue streams.

“All growth starts at the end of your comfort zone.”

Tony Robbins

Imagine today’s world without Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, to mention just a few of the well-known innovations of the last 35 years. Without putting any figures on it, the growth rate should have been different.

Creativity

Problem finding is not just about identifying issues, it’s about fostering creativity and encouraging us to think outside the box. It challenges us to question assumptions and come up with new ideas. In this way, problem finding is the birthplace of innovation, inspiring us to dream of things that could change the world and then create them.

“Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.”

Albert Einstein

When we dreamed about a way of talking to people wherever we were in the 1970s, this dream would never have become a reality if somebody had not created the cellphone. Without the creativity of Motorola’s engineer Martin Coope, the cellphone would not have been born, at least not in 1973.

Continuous improvement

Problem finding is not a one-time task, it’s a continuous process. It allows organizations to constantly identify and address new problems and opportunities, leading to continuous improvement and ultimately, business success. This ongoing engagement with problem finding drives us to develop as nations and individuals.

Cellphone improvement is one good example of continuous improvement, and today, a smartphone is a must. We have gone through a dramatic and fast improvement process on the communication side. Starting with telegrams, continuing with telex, fax, and today’s Internet, is a great example of how continuous improvement helps us to develop as nations and individuals.

Help People by Finding Problems They Are Not Aware of

Customers or potential customers already know what their problems are. Answers to questions can be found in the blink of a keystroke.

The most creative and successful businesspeople will be those who can identify problems that no one else is seeing and then develop answers and solutions.

Jacob Getzels of the University of Chicago put it this way…

“It is, in fact, the discovery and creation of problems rather than any superior knowledge, technical skill, or craftsmanship that often sets the creative person apart from others in his field.”

Yet too many entrepreneurs insist on “solving” problems that have already been solved.

When I started my online business, several problems existed that I didn’t know existed. Awareness of these problems changed the complete picture for me and my online business. Watch the video to learn which problems I learned a lot from and how they can also change your viewing of things.

Here are the links to the pages mentioned in the video:

https://tvdmexonline.com/ModernWealthy2924

https://tvdmexonline.com/Aweber2924

It’s worth noting that problem finding and problem-solving are important for organizations. Problem-solving is necessary to address current issues while problem-finding, the process of identifying potential problems or opportunities is essential to generating new ideas and driving innovation.

Where to start?

Now, let’s focus on you. How can you enhance your ability to identify problems worth solving as a business professional?

Stay curious, network, stay informed, take calculated risks, and, most importantly, challenge assumptions. This is the key to unlocking new solutions. Collaborate, empower others, and practice. Keep an open mind and be ready to embrace new ideas.

In ModernWealthy, you will get all the necessary training to optimize your efforts and gain the skills needed to start acting as an authority in your market niche. This program will provide practical problem-solving techniques, industry insights, and a network of like-minded professionals. Click the box below and get immediate access!