That’s part of friend-of-the-list Genevieve Hayes’ email about solving problems in isolation —and a generalized thinking framework in the business world, as the focus of this “don’t bring me problems” doesn’t let you see the forest for the trees.
Here are a few thoughts on it:
This kind of thinking from management has ramifications:
“You bring fresh eyes, get me solutions”.
If i see the problem —that you don’t consider a problem— and bring an unwanted solution, the response will be “this is how things are done here/we’ve always done it this way“. Solution crushed.
Bringing solutions with no context will crash against a concrete wall. A sudden change is not well received without support and it brings lots of resistance. People learnt to live with that unproductive friction, changes will create new ones. Solution crushed.
Bringing solutions without knowing what has been tried before, and why it didn’t work, will most likely lead to the same kind of solutions… that will not EVER be implemented. Solution crushed.
The more unimplemented, blocked, red-taped solutions brought, will only decrease morale. As an individual, because things won’t move. As an organization, the beast eats you. Soul crushed.
It’s the same belief as “Don’t think, react” / “I don’t pay you to think, i pay you to do“.
As an advisor, when your prospects come with this type of thinking and refuse to move away from these practices, it’s a HUGE red flag. It means the advice will collect (digital) dust and won’t be implemented.
Which means your clients won’t be thrilled of having worked with you.
Which means it’ll feel to you like a load of to-dos with little joy.
Which means you’ll burnout, resent the engagement or get stressed over it.
Your way out?
Define who you *really* want to work with.
Position yourself to make that difference with them, so you enjoy the ride.
Help them hit it off the park.
That way, you will be crushing it. 🙂