Focus On The Problem, Not The Solution
If we’re really trying to solve for a specific problem, we need to be obsessed with the problem itself.
We have to be so focused on the issues that problem presents, such that we can understand it to a level that we can uncover all of the points of concern - not only who’s impacted, but also the way in which they’re specifically impacted and to what extent.
Once we understand that, we can then craft the specific solution, and/or create the product that solves for that underlying problem. All of this makes sense, but it’s what happens next that can be the issue.
With the solution in hand, we (understandably) tout that solution to anyone who will listen. We explain the work we went through, the elegance and comprehensiveness of what we have to offer. We position it to be above all else. That is, we fall in love with the solution.
Again, there’s nothing wrong with that. If we’re not going to tout our solutions, who will?
But more often than not, we obsess so much over our solution, that we forget we need to keep obsessing, as much as we initially did, over the problem as well.
By remaining obsessed with the problem we’re solving, we keep evolving out understanding of it, and how it morphs over time. We understand which aspects we’re continually able to solve for and which ones were not. We understand which elements we’re current on and in which ones we’re hopelessly out of date.
By obsessing about the problem and not falling in love with our solution, we’re able to maintain the distance needed to (cliché alert) stay immune to sacred cows and vested interests.
Because solutions should evolve and change over time, shaped by technology, environment, people and culture.
It’s more important to keep our heads down and focused on the problem we’re solving.
