Solution Orientation: The Traffic Cop at the junction.

In his book Goals !, author Brian Tracy says that while unsuccessful people has 'Problem Orientation',. the successful people have 'Solution Orientation'. The former will focus on Problem and blaming the person who caused the problem, while the latter asks the question 'How can I solve it?'.

 

I see this dichotomy play out quite regularly in our neighbourhood.

 

There is a junction near my apartment where there could be occasional pileups. As pileups go, this one is often caused by one or two recalcitrant drivers, most often Taxi drivers on a hurry. As is usual with Bangalore Traffic, in no time, the entire streets on either side are choc a bloc with traffic, honking, impatient drivers. It is very stressful.

 

Soon traffic cop will arrive and try to untangle the mess. I see two types of traffic cops. One type will focus on identifying the errant drivers and start arguing and blaming them. Soon the entire area is a sea of brawls with each side trying to prove their point. Needless to say, traffic is still piled up.

 

Other type is the professional cop who quickly assess the situation and focus on resolving the same. He will put all effort in untangling the mess. He will quickly identify the root cause and take steps to resolve this. Once the immediate flow is established and the traffic starts flowing smoothly (it takes 15 minutes for smooth flow to be established), then, and only then, he will start questioning and booking the errant drivers who will normally end up paying a stiff fine.

 

I find that the problem solving approach works better every time.

 

What do you think? How do you approach problem solving?