2P (Perspective and Perception) - toward Problem Solving

There are two ways to approach resolving problems in life. The most common method is to attack the situation head-on, which creates a temporary solution or relocates the problem on to someone else. The best method to problem solving is to thoroughly examine the issue and find the root cause. Removing the root cause will eliminate the problem at hand. For instance, let's take a small problem; every two weeks or so you notice the tire pressure warning light comes on in your vehicle. The immediate response is to put air in the tires to clear the indicator and repeat when necessary. The other option would be to have the tire checked for air leaks and have it patched or replaced if necessary.

So lets take a look at a global problem, lets say drug /gang violence in urban communities. The immediate response would be to increase police presence and continuously remove the criminals off the streets. The other option would be to find out where the drugs are coming from, where the weapons are coming from, and analyze why people join gangs and become drug dealers. Also it would be good to study the history of the problem, when, where, how, and why it started. Is it inevitable that poverty stricken areas result in hostile and crime ridden environments? If so then the root problem would be poverty and a solution for poverty would eliminate the violence.

Lets take a look from another angle: Cities across the U.S. had to come up with a solution to quickly remove snowfall from the streets to resume mobility. Salt was the answer. Then the cities notice that salt is causing pot holes and vehicle damage. Recently cities have begun switching out the salt with alternative products that do not harm the smooth paved streets and vehicles exterior. The simple solution was a quick, natural , inexpensive method to rid the roads of snow. Great idea right! However every solution should be tested, evaluated, researched, and analyzed for possible outcomes and or domino effects. Though it was mentioned that approaching a problem from the roots will eliminate that problem; it was not mentioned that for every solution presents an entirely new problem.

A good example of this brings us back to the tire. Hankook and several other companies have developed tires that require no air. These tires will never go flat and never wear. The drive and traction have good ratings. Great idea right! Well yes because no more flats, no need for spare tires, no need to rotate tires, no need to buy new tires. Awesome! Now think further..........How would this effect all the jobs and services that depend on tire manufacturing and flats? How would this effect the economy on a global scale? This is not to insinuate that we should not move forward with the new tires. This is to demonstrate that we need to evaluate the new problems that the solution will generate to prevent future headaches. This is why things do not change as quickly as most would like. Decision-makers have to evaluate the ramifications of the entire situation and weigh outcomes to find the best solutions. In summary, when eliminating problems from the root, also think ahead of what new problems that solution will create.