Does This Affect Me? Do I Need to Do Something?
From experience it has become apparent that we often see problems as objective hard things. They are not. They are constructs. What may be a problem for one person may be a windfall for another. I therefore find that rather than start from the position of seeing the world through problems, it helps to reverse the burden of proof:
- There is no problem.
- There may be a problem, but I can’t do anything about it.
- There is a problem, and I may be able to do something about it.
This eliminates most “problems” and allows me to focus on the ones that both affect me and are somehow within my control.
- Can this situation be ignored?
- If not, how exactly does it affect me (us)?
- What might a resolution look like?
- What options do I (we) have?
- Who or what might be able to help?
- What is the next step?
Want to explore this further? Then check out Problem Framing and Reframing.
Questions in the Image:
- How does this qualify as a problem?
- Does it affect me?
- Do I need to do something?
Want to Read More Around This Topic?
Problem Framing and Reframing provides a comprehensive overview of the above six question framework.
Nurturing Curiosity – Daily Practice: This is part of the Nurturing Curiosity series of tools, insights and questions designed to help nurture curiosity as part of our daily practice. In point of fact, every interaction we have is an opportunity to question what we are observing and how we and others are seeing the world. Also remember that questions come in many forms throughout our day. As my kids prepared for school this morning it felt like chaos reigned and yet all was good in the world. I wondered: Where might I benefit from some chaos in my work? Something unexpected that challenges what I do and how I do it.
About Tom O’Leary
Tom guides bold pioneers through inner transitions towards regenerative futures.
His primary offering – through a process he calls Ecological Coaching – is about working with leaders on the mindset, skillset and structural shifts that will power their organisation’s outer transition.
This means helping leaders thrive while creating ripples of positive change within their organisation and most importantly for the communities they serve and ultimately life on this planet.
It is thus not just about the leader as an “individual” but rather as part of an ecology of relationships. Within this ecology, he helps the leader feel heard, gain clarity, take action, build confidence and thrive all in service of something bigger.
How Might Tom Help?
My first invitation is to take maximum advantage of the free content on this site.
- As you are reading this, you are clearly on a fascinating journey. If you feel you would benefit from us doing some work together on some aspect of your journey, please explore this page: How Can I Serve?
- I also endeavour to answer every email so if you have any queries do reach out.
