Steve M. Fiore <STEVEF@lrdc2.lrdc.pitt.edu> writes:
> Getzels (among others) has investigated what is known as "problem
> finding" -- a concept similar to what you term identifying
> situational opportunities.
I respectfully disagree...see below.
> Basically, problem finding involves the
> detection of a need for new programs or detecting a gap or deficiency
> in the knowledge of a particular field.
[snip]
>
> Steve Fiore
Steve
I see problems-finding (any deviation from an agreed-to norm or baseline)
and situational opportunities as separate and distinct opportunity bubbles
or spaces, that require a different mentality, approach and
decision-making. Problem-solving was a key tool for the passive & reactive
management style that was prevalent and appropriate in the stable business
climate of the 1950's and 1960's. Opportunity searching, using situational
scenarios and other opportunity scenarios will be one of the key skills
for anticipatory managers, who need to out-think and out-anticipate the
competition.
For one, problem-finding is an inward and backward-looking process (it's
already happened) vs situational opportunities which require an outward
and forward-focused exploration process. Problems are almost always viewed
as negative, while situational opportunities can be both negative or
positive events.
With a problem, there is more of a perceived urgency to take action. It's
like a rock in your sock ! Problem-solving usually takes precedence over
situational opportunity creation re: time and resource allocation. How
many companies do you know that give equal training time to opportunity
spotting vs problem-solving.
There is usually some varying degree of peer or supervisor pressure to
address an problem once it's visible, yet I don't know of any manager who
has ever gotten fired because she/he missed an external situational
opportunity.
Just some off-the-cuff thoughts
Walter Derzko
Brain Space
"The Opportunity Clinic"
wderzko@pathcom.com
--"Walter Derzko" <wderzko@pathcom.com>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>