Do I need to know the root cause of an issue to be able to solve it?
Posted on June 27, 2022 by Vanessa van den Brink, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.
Putting our focus and energy into trying to figure out the "Why" can prevent us from taking the next steps toward coming up with a solution.
When it comes to solving an issue or problem in life, many of us struggle with the question, “Why?”.
- “Why do I feel this way?”
- “Why did I react like that?”
- “Why do I do this when I’m stressed?”
- “Why does it make me angry when…?”
- etc., etc., etc.
We search for the root cause of an issue rather than focusing on its solution.
Trying to determine a root cause can be difficult, and we may not always know what causes us to feel and behave as we do. Even if we do, there are several layers that play into it, and understanding the varying nuances of every aspect of ourselves can be insightful, but is it really needed? Putting our focus and energy into trying to figure out why can prevent us from taking the next steps toward coming up with a solution, leading to the question:
”Is it truly necessary to always understand where something is coming from to be able to move past it and solve the problem?
SOLUTION-FOCUSED COACHING VS. PROBLEM-FOCUSED COACHING
When it comes to coaching, there are 2 distinct approaches used to navigate overcoming our struggles and implementing behavioral change: solution-focused and problem-focused.
Solution-focused coaching is geared toward amplifying positive behaviors while reinforcing the use of effective coping strategies. The focus of this approach is on future behavior, positive emotions, forward movement, strengths as opposed to weaknesses, and on solutions or goals and the process. Rather than focusing on why, this approach focuses on how; how to reach a solution.
Problem-focused coaching aims to understand the problem rather than focusing on a solution. Instead of focusing on the future and positive behaviors, this approach focuses on past behaviors, a person’s background, reasoning as to why things have happened as such while examining shortcomings or barriers, personal weaknesses, and any issues or problems that are present. Rather than focus on how to reach a solution, this approach focuses on understanding why the problems exist in the first place.
”But which approach is going to be most beneficial for me?"
That’s a great question, and hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll be able to answer it.
ADVANTAGES OF FOCUSING ON POSITIVE EMOTIONS AND OUTCOMES
While each person is unique and will benefit most from a combination of approaches tailored to their individual needs, there are some wonderful benefits to be found from focusing on the positives in life and on finding solutions rather than staying stuck on the mistakes of yesterday. For instance, several research studies have found that sharing positive events with someone else, called capitalization, provides both personal and interpersonal benefits such as increased wellbeing and state of mind, enhanced commitment to the relationship, increased satisfaction in the relationship, and a greater sense of control.
Why? Sharing positive experiences with others may include focusing on one’s strengths and on the good in life, as opposed to the bad or one’s weaknesses. This correlates with a person’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth, as does celebrating positive achievements and accomplishments in life with others, and anything positive that happens to more than one person together.
Sharing positive experiences with others also validates the situation for you. You cannot convince yourself of imposter syndrome, beginner’s luck, or that you aren’t worthy, or that it never really happened when there are others there to share the experience with you.
Having others there to share in the positive also offers a sense of community support and a reflection process. As those who shared the experience reminisce over it together, redundancy is created in the brain and this strengthens the moment in the mind—allowing us to remember it more easily. This also makes us appreciate the memory more when it’s shared with others.
MY PURPOSE
At Pink Elevation, I place a high priority on the collaborative relationship that is formed with each unique individual client. It is my purpose to create and facilitate purposeful positive change on the path toward attaining professional and/or personal development outcomes. I want to help stretch and develop your current capacities and performances in an action-oriented manner. My approach is also focused on the self-directed learning process of the client. You are the driver on this goal-focused adventure, we I am here to support you along the way as your work toward achieving your self-defined personal and/or professional goals.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
In an effort to achieve the greatest measures of success both professionally and personally, it’s completely natural for both solution-focused and problem-focused approaches to overlap and be used simultaneously while coaching. It’s perfectly natural to want to discuss the issues that you’ve determined to be present in your life that are causing you to seek change, they’re likely what motivated you to seek out a coach in the first place. It can also be therapeutic and healing to have your concerns heard by someone in a supportive role who is focused on you overcoming these struggles and reaching your goals.
While it’s natural to want to discuss any problems or issues you may be experiencing, it’s important not to lose sight of the positives. By focusing on your strengths and seeking to find a solution you are both addressing the problems that are present as well as helping to increase your self-esteem and confidence as you work toward achieving goals. It’s a win-win to incorporate both while keeping the focus on the positive.
Both problem and solution-focused methods increase the goal approach, or your ability to achieve goals, but solution-focused approaches do so significantly more than problem-focused methods. This also means that more action steps are thought of and implemented throughout your work.
With the solutions-focused approach a client is found to be more motivated, has a better understanding, and more positive outlook while feeling more in control and capable of achieving goals. When we’re in a positive mood, we’re better cooperators, have greater insight, and our own development of understanding.
