How to avoid jumping to the wrong solution
The first idea often hides the real problem.
A parking technology company had a problem. It could no longer take electronic payments from people across its network of 6,000 parking meters. Each day without it cost over $1 million in lost revenue.
The Chief Technology Officer said, "The software we wrote to connect our parking meters to the banking platform no longer works. We need to write a new one."
So everyone started scrambling to get a new piece of software written until one of the directors asked, "Why is our software the problem to fix? Could we not use someone else's software and not bother with having to upgrade it all the time?"
The real problem was a fast growing business without the right technology systems to manage its growth.
Jumping on the first idea is a classic case of anchoring bias. Our brain’s shortcut to resolve tension fast, not necessarily in the best way.
To avoid this trap, ask the following before you act:
Are we sure our understanding of the problem is solid here?
Have we done enough to think of other ways to solve it?
Are we thinking too short term and not long term enough?
When you ask these questions, act quickly to find answers.
Wait too long and the pressure to resolve the tension will cause you to jump at the first idea you have.
Be curious before judgmental. Ask questions before you act.
That’s how you solve the right problem and get the best results.