Nov

19

Leaders Focus on Creating, Not Problem Solving

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Robert Fritz in his book “Path of Least Resistance” discusses the idea that creating is not problem solving and that understanding the distinction between these two concepts makes all the difference to the results we get as leaders. What is the difference between problem solving and creating?

“The fundamental difference between creating and problem solving is simple. In problem solving we seek to make something we do not like go away. In creating, we seek to make what we truly care about exist.” - Peter M. Senge, Creating Desired Futures in a Global Economy, Reflections The SoL Journal, 2003.

Creating is about bringing something into existence. Problem solving is about removing what we don’t want. As leaders we are constantly being called upon to solve a constant barrage of problems, to such an extent that we forget what we’re trying to achieve. Missing the purpose of it all, why we’re doing what we’re doing? Society is too problem focused, we are more concerned about fixing problems, removing what we don’t want, than we are with creating what we do want. In all this action, we rarely take action based upon the vision of what we do want to create.

“What determines your orientation is where you spend most of your time. For many people, much of their life is organized around the circumstances in their lives. For others, much of their lives are organized around creating what they want to create…. Their is a dramatic difference between the two orientations. In the first, you are always subject to the whims of circumstances. In the other, you are the predominant creative force in your own life, and circumstances are one of the forces you use in the creative process.” - Robert Fritz, Path of Least Resistance

It may seem like a subtle difference, but creating is very different from problem solving. When problem solving we’re seeking a solution that makes something go away. When we are creating we’re attempting to bring something new into existence. Reflecting on these two ways of thinking, it’s seems to me, that we spend more time problem solving, reacting to circumstances, than we do creating what we desire. We become so caught up in the frenzy of solving problem, that we forget what we originally set out to create. So what exactly are the differences between problem solving and creating?

Problem solving Orientation Creating Orientation
Problem solving is a reactive approach to situations Creating is a sustained, pro-active approach to situations
Results in an either / or response to situations Leverages the power of paradox, the genius of the AND
Creates and reactive pattern, resulting from knee-jerk reactions to situations. Creates a growth pattern as we focus on creating what we desire
An effective approach when there is only one correct answer (convergent thinking) An effective approach when there is more than one correct answer (divergent thinking)
Orientates our thinking towards problems Orientates our thinking towards our vision
Results in negative emotional energy and responses Results in positive emotional energy and responses
Focused on relieving intensity of the situation Focused on creating what we desire

The table above draws upon the work of Bruce Elkin from his book “Simplicity and Success“, who was strongly influenced by Robert Fritz.

When leading from a problem orientation, what drives the action is the intensity of the problem, remove the intensity of the problem and the resulting action slows and soon stops. We need to be leading from a strong vision of what we are striving to create, this inspires and motivates us to continually act, creating our vision…

“What are we trying to create? Without a compelling answer to this question, it is hard to know why all the problem solving actually matters. Problem solving becomes the busywork of organizations in which people have forgotten their purpose and vision. Reconnecting with that purpose always starts with asking questions like: Why are we here? What are we trying to create that will make the world a better place? And, who would miss us if we were gone?” - Peter M. Senge, Creating Desired Futures in a Global Economy, Reflections The SoL Journal, 2003.

Ultimately leaders need to solve problems whilst they focus to create their vision of the future, they need to be good at doing both, however as Peter Senge points our our primary focus is on the big picture and on what we are creating.
Ultimately leaders need to solve problems and create the future, they need to be good at doing both, however as Peter Senge points our our primary focus is on the big picture and on what we are creating.

Organizations must do both - resolve day-to-day problems and generate new results. But if your primary role is to fix problems, individually or collectively, rather than create something new and meaningful, it’s hard to maintain a sense of purpose.” - Peter M. Senge, Creating Desired Futures in a Global Economy, Reflections The SoL Journal, 2003.

The vital question for leaders is not “What problem are we trying to solve?”, but “What do I want to create?” Are you leading from a vision of what you want to create? When you find yourself solving problems, do you approach solving them within the context of the vision you’re striving to create?

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One Response to “Leaders Focus on Creating, Not Problem Solving”

  1. The Importance of ‘Know Why’ over ‘Know How’ on February 6th, 2007 9:27 PM

    [...] Organisations are more focused on implementing the latest management fad, best practice and management tool than focusing on what the organisation really wants to create. [...]

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