He called an emergency meeting of the Department Heads.  We sat there, looking at each other, wondering why the Captain had called the meeting.  As he came in, we all stood until told to take our seats.  As we sat we could see the worry on his face.   He looked down at his pad of paper, then up at us and said, “Gentlemen, gasoline is going up over $3 a gallon.  We’re going to need to do something so that people can afford to come to work.”  We all looked at each other confused.  Granted, we all pay more now and are used to it but, for him (at this time), this was a real crisis.

I immediately thought back to the best piece of advice I’ve ever gotten on solving problems from my friend, Steve.  When facing a personal crisis he told me, “Chip, all problems can be classified one of two ways:  They are either solvable or unsolvable.”  He went on to add that even when unsolvable, they might still be workable.  I have taken this advice into every leadership job I’ve had.  Classifying them this way has saved me time, worry and effort.  Here’s how the classification works.

Solvable.  The problem has an answer that you and the team can work.  You, personally, may not know the solution but, with a strong “why,” the team will find a way.  This is a problem that is within your control.  Know the difference.

Unsolvable.  The problem has no solution.  If it has no solution, why waste your time “trying to rearrange deck chairs on the Titanic?”  Unsolvable problems usually consist of things that are completely out of your control but you may still worry about.  If you can’t control it, why worry and stress?  Classify it as unsolvable and move on.

Unsolvable but workable.  This problem is out of your control but there may be actions you and the team can alleviate some of the ill effects of the problem.  Such was the case with gas prices.

Although it was unsolicited, I shared this classification with the other Department Heads.  We then classified this problem as “Unsolvable but workable.”  We came up with some solutions to alleviate the ill effects of gas prices rising and put the Captain at ease.

We all face problems.  If you’re anything like me, you worry about things.  Some things you can control and some you can’t.  Try classifying them as solvable or unsolvable.  Bring your team together and brainstorm possibilities.  If it’s solvable or workable, take action.  If it’s unsolvable and not workable, let it go.  Either way, you’ll gain peace of mind, less stress, and come out on top.