The Four Causes of All your Problems
The Four Causes of all Your Problems
There are four major causes of all your problems, they are:
- Yourself.
- Other people.
- The "system".
- Mother nature.
Let us say a few words on each.
1. Yourself as the cause of your problems.
Is it true that YOU could be the source of some of your problems?
Yes. We all have bad habits that cause us to mess-up, these bad habits could be:
- poor nutritional habits,
- poor speech habits,
- poor time-keeping habits,
- poor sleep habits,
- poor work habits.
- poor thinking habits.
These habits can be the cause of many of the problems we experience.
The interesting thing about bad habits, is that they seem to be invisible to the person possessing them. Many people don't recognise their bad habits. They are oblivious.
If they do recognise their own bad habits, many people try to defend them, rather than try to change them.
Many people who keep their bad habits, try to blame their problems on other people.
2. Other people.
Is it true that other people could be the source of your problems?
Yes. Other people's errors, omissions and bad habits can cause you problems. You need to know how to manage problems caused by other people.
However, it is a sad fact that, other people don't accept responsibly for the problem: They like to blame, "the system".
3. The system.
Is it true that the system; or "system failure" can be the cause of your problem?
Yes. So, you need to know how to "fix the broken system".
At a more profound level, the problem is not the fault of the system, but rather, it is caused by the actions of Mother nature.
4. Mother nature as the cause of your problems.
Mother nature is not always benevolent. Sometimes mother nature is the cause of serious problems. Nature includes, viruses, bacterial infections, snakes, storms, floods and droughts. Mother nature can be dangerous; she can be the cause of your problems.
You need to know how to deal with natural disasters.
Problem solving SOS.
Of the above list of four causes, we can act effectively against the first three. We cannot do too much to stop the laws of nature.
But we can work to improve ourselves, other people and "the system".
This creates the concept of Problems Solver SOS.
S = self
O = others
S = systems
Here is the rule to remember:
"I will work to improve the performance of, myself, the others, and the system."
Definition: Problem Solver SOS
Problem Solver SOS is a simple business tool that helps you clear up issues by checking three controllable places: your own habits, other people’s actions, and the working system. It leaves out natural events, makes you study each place in turn, and insists you design clear steps to improve them.
Show CG4D Definition
- Groups every fixable problem into self, others, and system
- Leaves out natural forces because people cannot control them
- Tells users to study each group in turn to find the root cause
- Requires clear action plans to improve habits, behaviour and process
Article Summary
Every problem starts from one of four roots: your own habits, other people, a weak system, or raw nature. You can change the first three by improving yourself, guiding others, and fixing processes; only nature stays beyond control, so focus effort where action works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What does Problem Solver SOS stand for?
How can I spot my own bad habits?
Why do other people often deny causing problems?
What common signs show a system failure?
How does Mother Nature create problems beyond our control?
Which of the four causes can I change directly?
What first step helps to fix a broken process?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
45% of UK workers say poor time keeping stops them doing good work (CIPD Good Work Index, 2023). 82% of data leaks in 2022 start with human error or weak systems and each leak costs firms about £3.8 million (IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, 2023).About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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