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Listen to Me, Not Them

Listen to Me, Not Them

There is some kind of new trend on Linkedin, although it may just be plagiarism and copying, stipulating that asking “Why?” is the wrong approach to problem solving, Instead, we should be asking “What?” (One of the proponents is a psychologist, apparently, who positions herself as still another “best-selling” author.)

The only way to remove a problem is to find its cause (not to find blame) which is done by asking “Why is this happening?” Otherwise, you’re just adapting to its effects. A leaking ceiling (the “what”) will cause some people to put a bucket under the dripping water, which is adaptive, but unless you know the cause—a leaky roof, a burst pipe, an overflowing neighbor’s bathtub—you won’t be able to remove the problem. You can dump oil into your car weekly, but you need to find the cause of the leak if you intend to save the money and trouble.

I’m astounded by the poor advice on social media, from both self-proclaimed “experts” and from people who apparently have nothing better to do because their ideas aren’t applicable in the real world and they have no real work.

Always consider the source. And if the source is social media, or someone who solely gives advice, or someone who has to TELL you they’re a “best-selling” author or “sought after” speaker, find yourself another source.

Written by

Alan Weiss is a consultant, speaker, and author of over 60 books. His consulting firm, Summit Consulting Group, Inc., has attracted clients from over 500 leading organizations around the world.

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