ThoughtLeaders LLC

Today’s post is by Ally Edwards of DATIS. This blog was first published in 2015. We’re bringing it back to spotlight a topic that’s still worth revisiting.

Obstacles are inevitable in both the workplace and in daily life. The way that people approach and manage situations can reveal a lot about their character and work ethic.

In the workplace, many common challenges arise from issues surrounding communication, technology, and management styles. These challenges, no matter how small, can create a consistent buildup of frustration in the work environment and in employees individually. Therefore, it is always important to stop, breathe, and think through the situation thoroughly, before reacting emotionally.

If you often find it hard to control your emotions in difficult situations, consider this light bulb scenario. Once a light bulb begins to burn out, the flickering light makes the situation hard to ignore. The next step is to replace the light bulb; but a multitude of questions arise such as: What type of light bulb should I replace it with? Is there a better light bulb I could use? Is there a cheaper option?

Lastly, the most critical part of replacing the light bulb is choosing the best time to do so. For instance, it would not be advisable to replace a light bulb while the light switch is on or at night when no other light sources can help complete the task.

Even though a light bulb is a tangible item, the process of replacing a bulb is very relatable to fixing problems in the workplace. Here is how to apply the light bulb solution method to problems that you may encounter on a daily basis:

1. Identify the problem – Whether this issue is an employee constantly showing up late, a process that is continually failing, or a boss that lacks leadership, the root issue of the problem must be identified with certainty. Usually, there are many symptoms that accumulate before a problem can be fully diagnosed. The best way to deal with a problem is to first acknowledge there is an issue occurring within your organization. Then, you can begin to formulate solutions.

2. Fix the problem – The way a problem is approached differs based on a person’s personality, ethics, and leadership style. For example, someone who leads in a more autocratic style may fix the problem on their own, without any insight from others, as opposed to a more democratic leader who will ask for opinions before addressing a problem. When it comes to brainstorming solutions, the importance of being thorough cannot be stressed enough. Every little detail, what-if scenarios and possible effects should be considered before acting on a problem.

3. Choose the best time – Sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better. As humans, we are imperfect and make mistakes. Before making a potentially irrational and final decision regarding an issue, analyze the problem over a period of time and discover if there is an underlying situation causing the symptoms. Once you decide how to fix a problem, make sure only the necessary parties are present and it takes place in the right environment and at the right time. For example, when addressing a coworker about their work ethic or leadership style, you do not want to seemingly attack or belittle your coworker at the beginning of a work day. That will only magnify the problem. A better approach could be to compile a list of changes or expectations and sit down with the coworker towards the end of the day for a professional discussion.

Every person and organization is different. Past experiences are a large factor and those experiences will likely affect the way people may handle difficult situations. The best way to solve a problem is to always look for the solution that is best suited for your organization and constantly ask the question to yourself and others: How can we improve?

In the end, light bulbs come in all different shapes and sizes, and there are multiple reasons why one might go out. Pay attention to the root cause of the problem and address all bulbs. Even small problems that may seem insignificant can have reverberating effects throughout an organization.

– Ally is a marketing communications and content intern at DATIS, an HR and payroll software company, located in Tampa, Florida. She is also currently pursuing a degree in marketing at the University of Tampa.