The Naming Game: Looking at Problems in a Different Light

I think we often look at problems the same way we look at failure. We try to remember that problems and failure are all part of making our way to success but if we are really honest with ourselves, we would much rather skip to the success part.

I was recently at an event where I was asked to introduce myself and talk about my favourite parts about my work. As usual, something unexpected came to my mind and I found myself saying, "I love finding problems in an organization."

As I thought more about that statement, I realized, it was completely true. I love finding problems, because I LOVE problem-solving.

I was doing an assessment of a team the other day and as I looked through their data, their team was completely balanced in the first two metrics. When I got to the third metric, I struck gold, one of the three triads was missing in their team make-up. YES! Now we know what we're dealing with and now we can get to work on solving the problem.

Finding, seeing and naming a "problem" effectively is the biggest step forward an organization will ever make. There are no solutions without naming a problem: find a problem, find a solution.

The process of naming problems through the Enneagram lens is like turning on lights in a dark room. Suddenly, obstacles that were once invisible become clear, and pathways to solutions emerge.

In organizational settings, this insight is transformative. Teams can strategically address their composition, ensuring a balance of perspectives. They can develop targeted training programs to strengthen areas where they're collectively weak. Most importantly, they can create an environment where diverse thinking styles are not just accepted but celebrated as essential components of success.

As we embrace the "naming game" in problem-solving, we shift our perspective on challenges. They become not just hurdles to overcome, but opportunities for growth and improvement. By leveraging the Enneagram to see and name our collective blind spots, we equip ourselves with the tools to move forward more effectively and cohesively as a team.

The ability to name problems is a superpower in personal and organizational development. The Enneagram serves as our guide in this process, illuminating the path for effective transformation. As we continue to play this naming game, we find that our problems, once named and understood, become the very stepping stones that lead us to innovation, growth, and ultimately, success.