Eldridge Clever once stated, “You’re either part of the solution, or part of the problem.” I disagree, because at times you can be part of the solution and still be part of the problem. I state in my book Without Warning that its the chasm between solution and implementation that should trouble you most. This is where too often I find that organizations get tripped up in the problem - solution paradox. Yes, I understand and can appreciate that leaders, managers and employees must learn how to be part of the solution. However, they must also have the courage and conviction to implement the solution - if not, the creation of silent problems is the likely end result.
There are a myriad of reasons why solutions to problems aren’t implemented. For instance, a business may not have the resources such as money or labor to implement the solution. However in most instances, it’s not a lack of resources that is the barrier, but rather it’s the lack of clarity and conviction where people get tripped up. I think Lee Thayer states it best. “People will rarely trade a problem they can’t stand, for a solution they can’t live with.” And its the solution that an organization or a person can’t live with that prevents solutions from crossing over the chasm to solution implementation. In essence, the problem gets held in the chasm where it gets caught, and eventually becomes a silent problem.
How can you prevent solutions from getting caught in the Implementation Chasm? Here are a few ideas and solutions to this problem?
- Identify Champions: Just because you have a great solution doesn’t mean it will be implemented. Identify someone that can help champion the solution.
- Work With A Coach/Mentor: Solutions implementation oftentimes requires the development of a strategy. Questions like who needs to touch it, endorse it and support it must be identified. If you don’t have the knowledge or insight in these areas, find a coach or mentor to help.
- Identify Opposers: Too often we overlook those that might oppose your solution. Identifying them early on and then be prepared to address their issues if they surface is critically important. Areas like money and resources are common barriers to implementation.
- Make It Visible: Make certain the problem is visible. Problems that aren’t visible will have a difficult time receiving resources, no matter how strategically important it might be.
- Influence: Implementation oftentimes becomes a game of influence. You may need to be ready to fight for the solution, if you truly want to make it happen. Be prepared to influence those that are critically important to the implementation of the solution.
Bottom Line: Organizations will be unable to succeed when sound solutions to problems get in the Implementation Chasm. Organizations must identify problems early, identify sound solutions to these problems, and then have the resources and conviction to implement them.
