Problem solving in business can be difficult. The problem may be not enough web traffic, it may be soothing a problematic customer, or it may be a dispute between co-workers. In any of these situations as well as countless others, there is a relatively simple solution that many people do not understand. Put yourself in their shoes. We don’t have enough web traffic because people don’t know we exist, and if they do how to use our site. The problem customer has perceived that she’s been wronged, when in reality she just hasn’t been communicated with. And those two co-workers both have valid arguments, however there’s always a compromise that can be agreed upon.
Problem solving is infinitely more difficult for arrogant people. When an arrogant person attacks a problem, the solution is simple, it’s theirs. Instead of putting themselves into another person’s shoes, they see the issue from their perspective. This can be especially detrimental to an organization when the person in charge is this short-sighted and is not willing accept another’s view. Happy customers don’t just pop up out of thin air, they have to be communicated with, not talked at. Productive employees don’t just stroll in one day and stay for 15 years, they need their needs met. Arrogant decision makers will ruin that. Arrogance sounds like this…
- “I don’t get it, we made a great website that is easy to use, I can see how it flows great. Where are the customers?”
- “What is that lady complaining about? She shouldn’t be complaining about that small defect, the product still works.”
- “You two need to just shake hands and get over this, period. I don’t have time for this stuff.”
I want to challenge you to put yourself into the opposite party’s shoes. Can you see where they’re coming from? Do you understand why they’re upset? Should you be more compassionate to their needs? Are they going to benefit from your edict or are they going to be gracious for your caring?
The best leaders and managers (yes they are different) can put themselves in other people’s shoes with ease. They do not approach problem solving from their own view, they put themselves at the opposite end of things. From your perspective, you get a surface view. Whereas you get to the root of the problem when you are able to look at issues from other people’s point of view. It can be the difference in 10,000 ft to 10 ft or it can be a matter of different angles. All are valid and perception is reality. Don’t force your reality on the issue, be humble enough to care why this affects them.
Without a sense of humility this will never happen. Being able to put your pride on the shelf to really address problems at their core is difficult, and many people don’t like to do it. We don’t like to do it because it makes us grow, and that scares people.
Think about it, which one of these adjectives sounds better, “I love working for Bill, he’s so [arrogant/humble] that it hurts. We always have a solution when he gets involved.” What kind of Bill would you rather be?
