I’ve watched the recent events in Ferguson and all the talking heads both in Ferguson, Washington DC and elsewhere. I’ve listened carefully to the major points of both sides of the issue. Seriously, folks? With all the name calling and political correctness are we any closer to getting to the heart of the problem? Are we any closer to a realistic and acceptable resolution? Unbelievable. Names and bad intent have been attributed to individuals on opposing sides and no one – and I mean no one – is taking a moment to consider how best to engage in collaborative problem solving. I don’t see any progress toward civil dialog and cooperative efforts. But all is not lost – we have yet another teachable moment.
When a persistent problem continues to simmer, periodically rearing its ugly head, that’s a good indication that the solutions tried to date haven’t addressed the issue. Such problems persist because the folks involved are unable or unwilling to recognize and address the underlying issues. Unless those issues are effectively dealt with the problem will persist. How many of you can really afford to continue to spend resources and time re-inventing the wheel? Don’t you have better things to do? Do you really want your legacy to be the unsatisfactory record of addressing symptoms of problems but never the true cause?
Effective leaders will take all the needed steps, including bringing in problem solving consultants, to insure that the true cause of the issue at hand is identified and realistic solutions developed and implemented. Failing to recognize the importance of engaging in collaborative problem solving with the help of a consultant can result in less than satisfactory solutions, reduced productivity and lowered job satisfaction. Re-inventing the wheel does nothing to improve your bottom line.