The problem-solution paradox

5 June 2024

I’m an engineer. A problem solver. Solution creator.

That’s what I love. Conjuring up solutions out of thin air. Solutions that light up faces Make you wonder

Solutions, in my case, are usually things. Drawings, designs, products Things that can be admired in their own right Things that make the puzzle pieces click into place Things that allow you to use it as a tool

And always I’ve been presented with problems Problems, more or less “pre-packaged”.

For the longest time I have worked as a consultant Moving on from one problem To the next

And yet now I find myself in a different role Responsible, truly, for a product Not just the initial inception of it But its continuation

I find it challenging Challenging to no longer be presented with a pre-packaged problem Challenging to go on the hunt for problems

Because problems are abundant I love talking with customers, hearing their problems I love ideating solutions But I felt I had to hold myself back

I’ve been hunting for problems With a solution already in a backpack Selling instead of helping That doesn’t feel great

I want to help, to solve, to create Not to push

And therein, I believe, lies my challenge Not to give up right now

And move on to solve the next problem Instead, to step back from my solution

Step back from my product for a little bit Reconnect with the problem I was originally trying to solve

Connecting with that So I can bring that value to my product To make my solution, a true solution Something truly of value

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