Problem Solving

Nothing succeeds like success, or so we are told. We know that we have problems to work on in our nation, our states, communities and neighborhoods. We know those difficulties exist. Some of us are working on them for solutions. Others sit by and watch others do the heavy lifting without much support or assistance of any kind.

And in political circles the effort is only focused on how to divert negative attention on me and how to redirect it on a political enemy. I think we are adult enough to understand this is the way of the world. It goes on in America. It goes on in Russia, China, Iran and Iraq. It goes on in Germany, Italy, France and in every single country on the face of the globe. This is life. This is reality.

But let’s face one incontrovertible fact: nothing will get solved if we, and I mean WE, don’t roll up our sleeves and get involved. Personally. Face to face. And now. Right this moment.

There is no time like now to get involved. Ask questions of people you think are knowledgeable about the problem you are interested in. These may be friends or neighbors. Perhaps someone at your church is engaged with people who understand the issue and need more helping hands. Maybe a local charity is in the know better than anyone else, or perhaps it is visiting a local college or university and finding out who knows about the area you are interested in. Most institutions of higher learning are very committed to community involvement. Believe me, they will welcome your involvement.

Of course there is city hall that will shed some light on the issues, but beware: they are skeptical of strangers bearing gifts! They are quite used to people contacting them with hidden agendas. Build a trusting relationship with these people and then offer to help. You may find yourself appointed to a board or commission tasked with managing just this problem area.

Not one of us has all the answers to problems rampant among us. We often realize the importance of such issues, but only at critical times are we moved to take action. That action needs to be an offer to help. If accepted, use the opportunity to get involved and begin the process of understanding the problem from all perspectives. It is a problem because there are ‘sides’ and perspectives at work. All of these need to be considered when designing a solution to the problem.

The work is awkward and slow. At times it will become emotional, too. Find a good person to mentor you until you feel comfortable drawing your own conclusions. Bring your point of view forward and use it to sponsor lessening of tensions and creative means to find a solution. The most important problems we share will be difficult to solve.

That is why it is important that we all feel like a stakeholder in the problem. Because the simple truth of the matter is we ARE a stakeholder. It matters if our society is functioning well, fairly and with justice. Well it isn’t. We have disenfranchised people who will slow progress for the rest of us. It is in our interest and theirs to be creative and collaborative in inventing solutions to problems.

So now, which problems bother you the most? Which ones have a local aspect to that problem. Who do you know who would help you get involved? When are you going to take the first step?

Might now be the right time?

March 14, 2016