Sometimes "solutions" can be just as "problematic"...

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If you want to evoke a response just mention a "problem"... "I'm glad it's not my problem". "I wouldn't want to be you". "Oh, that's a tough situation". "That's really unfortunate, I hope you can work through it". The bigger the problem, the more exclamation marks you will find involved.

Whereas, if you happen to mention you have a "solution", you will elicit a far more upbeat response... "Way to go". "You saved the day". "You are a goddess and have saved the company". The bigger the solution, the more exclamation marks you will find involved.

Intuitively, leaning towards the "solution" side of the equation makes for a better day; although having said this, the Contrarian off in the back corner just looked up and wants to offer a thought or two. He has no debate with the fact that "solutions" are better than "problems" and he also wants to scream out, "You are a goddess and have saved the company!!!" He does however suggest that you shouldn't be so quick to perceive a solution as all rainbows and unicorns, as they can be problematic unto themselves (no pun intended; well maybe a little).

Solutions are defined by the problems they "solve for", so as a quick litmus test you need to ask your self:

• "Do I have a solution for a recognized problem?"
• "Do I have a solution looking for a problem?"
• "Do I have something really cool, but not sure what to do with it?"

Other questions may come to mind, but the point is a solution needs to have a problem to solve for - Anything else is problematic as it becomes distracting, wastes time, and detracts from finding a real solution. And even with an aligned problem and solution, it doesn't mean you are free and clear to receive all of those accolades because there is still that whole matter of "line of sight".

Now that you have a problem that has found a solution, the question becomes how are you going to get there. People will want to understand how you are going to actually get to the solution - Do you have "line of sight" to how you will make your solution a real one... what is your pathway to success?

The concept of "line of sight" is beneficial in three regards:

1. "Line of sight" forces the development of the plan making the solution a reality; it forces the execution steps for success to be developed.
2. "Line of sight" reminds you to develop tight and concise language to articulate the problem, solution, and the pathway to success. More often than not, you will need leaders, partners or investors to "see what you see" to get support.
3. "Line of sight" will help you determine if the solution is workable in the first place.

It looks like the Contrarian is finished and has gone back to whatever he was doing... although he did mention something about "you saving the company".

iamgpe

Disruption, dislodgement and optimism...

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

"Networking" is quite possibly the most overused word around, but that does not make it any less important; that's why it's overused I suppose.

Connecting with people to build your network, expand your Linked In connections and increasing your collection of "views and likes" is all well and good, but ultimately it's all about drawing on people's skills, insights and experience.

This is what I recently found myself involved with as we were looking for "perspective and insight" regarding a new technology in the molecular diagnostic space*. After a good deal of discussion, many questions and some "stunning visuals", we asked for some candid feedback. 

To that he simply said, "I have three words for you - Disruption, dislodgement and optimism". 

He went on to elaborate -

Disruption: How disruptive is your technology over the current technology? Is your technology different enough to consider adopting and change from what is currently being used? The more disruptive the technology, the more inherent advantages there are for switching and the more likely you will see adoption. He went on to say this ultimately applies to anything, be it technology or process, and had found innovation and disruption are more or less synonymous.

Dislodgement: What are you going to do to dislodge the incumbent, be it a competitor or how something is being done, and have your technology adopted? The less disruptive your technology, the more difficult it will be to dislodge the current way of thinking (if not impossible); whereas something of a disruptive nature (with advantages) has a better chance of dislodging the current technology or way of thinking. It was pointed out not to underestimate how difficult it is to dislodge the current way of thinking - It takes hard work, creativity and tenacity. 

And this brought us to optimism: We were reminded that by nature humans are overly optimistic; believing what we have is the most "innovative and disruptive, with the ability to dislodge any incumbent" . He also reminded us that facts and data win the day - In the same breath though, he went on to say it is optimism that enables people to do amazing things, and we should never lose it.

In parting, he mentioned we should call him in a couple of weeks as he knows someone we should talk to. The networking continues.

I am very optimistic.

gpe

* The technology is an isothermal amplification technology platform that offers advantages over current amplification technologies. If you are interested in knowing more let me know... we have some "stunning visuals". 

Inspiration... something important for getting it done.

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

If asked what inspires me, I am not sure "pirates" would have come to mind, but it seems for Scott Leckie, the principal at Takota Asset Management, they do; after watching his video, I now have a better understanding as to why. 

I could not help but wonder about inspiration and why it is so very important, particularly when it comes to getting things done.

I will say right away, and somewhat emphatically, inspiration is not a replacement for having a well thought out plan aligned with your situation - Having said that, inspiration can be a very powerful force for working through that plan, or when working thorough any situation for that matter. 

Merriam-Webster defines inspiration  \ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spi-\ as:

Something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create : a force or influence that inspires someone.

Three ways to categorize inspiration come to mind:

Inspiration that can lead you to pursue a goal: I think this is a pretty inspirational example, don't you?

 "Chris Hadfield says Neil Armstrong's 1969 walk on the moon inspired him to pursue a path that will see him become the first Canadian to command the International Space Station. (Graham Hughes/Canadian Press)".

Inspiration to help generate an idea (used for any and all situations like executing on your plan, solving a problem or taking advantage of and opportunity) - I got the following from tiny buddha for finding inspiration:

• Find inspiration in Nature
• Find inspiration on the Web (it's what I did)
• Find inspiration in Possibilities
• Find inspiration in People
• Find inspiration in Yourself

Lori Deschene, the founder of tiny buddha has offered up 50 places in total to find inspiration... definitely worth a look. You may get an idea.

Inspiration that emotionally engages and helps you work through the difficulties that come with executing on plans, solving problems or dealing with situations: We have all heard the stories of overcoming insurmountable odds, making the impossible possible, and validating the strength of the human spirit. Inspiration encourages us, strengthens us, reminds us that we are not alone, and what we are trying to do is possible. The world is full of these inspirational stories and is evident by a quick Internet search.  

Inspiration helps us get over the hurdles needed to get it done - it can stimulate a new idea or give you the energy to get back up when everything, I mean everything, is knocking you down. So as you build out your 2016 Goals, Objective and Plans, take some time to investigate what and who inspires you. You will be served well for it.

For me, I don't think it will be pirates.

gpe