雙語美文：遇到重要決定時不妨試試這6種方法

摘要：判斷成功與否的標準並在於你能否逃避困難，而在於你如何處理以及防止事情再次發生的能力。

The measure of success is not whether you can evade tough problems, but how you deal with those problems and whether you can keep them from recurring.

As you gather experience as a leader, over time you acquire a tool kit of techniques and strategies that serve you well. Then when a conflict hits and you're under the wire, you don't have to reinvent the wheel but can instead turn to something tried-and-true.

判斷成功與否的標準並在於你能否逃避困難，而在於你如何處理以及防止事情再次發生的能力。

當你積累了一定的領導經驗，久而久之你就獲得了一個助你成功的技能與策略“工具箱”。然後每當遇到突發情況，而你又處於最後限期時，你就不必白費力氣做重複的工作了，相反，你可以化腐朽爲神奇。

One of the techniques you may find yourself turning to often is problem solving--so much so that developing a reliable method of problem solving is critically important. Details and personalities can vary widely from one situation to another, so the most effective problem solvers rely on a mental model to help them come up with the best solutions.

遇到重要決定時 不妨試試這6種方法

在這些技能裏，你會發現你最常使用的便是解決難題的能力，以此開發一個可靠的解決方案是多麼的至關重要。細枝末節與個人情感會因應情況而不同，所以最佳的問題解決方法則需要依靠一個幫助人們找出最佳解決方案的心理模式。

Try this simple six-step model the next time a problem crops up. As you work with the model, you may find ways to tailor it to your situation and way of thinking. That's fine, of course. The more you refine it, the better it will work.

當再次遇到問題的時候，嘗試下面簡單的6步模式吧。當你使用這種模式後，你就能找到把它運用到實際情況和思維方式的方式。那很好呀，你越不斷完善，它的效果就越明顯。

Step 1: Understand the problem.

步驟1：瞭解問題的內涵。

Most people start out just looking for a solution. Any solution. But it's best at the beginning to make sure you have a solid grip on the relevant facts and issues. Gather all available information; think about the situation from all perspectives. Make a list of those involved, along with their needs and expectations.

很多人一開始就急於尋找解決方案，任何的解決方法。然而最佳的起步點在於確保你對相關的情況和問題有充分的理解。收集所有可獲得的信息，再從各個角度思考這個情況。把相關的問題，以及問題需求和預期都一一羅列出來。

推薦：重大決定難做出?清理雜念第一步!

Step 2: Define the problem.

步驟2：明確問題的性質

Ask yourself the same "Five Ws and an H" that journalists use:

像記者的提問方式一樣，提問自己下面這些問題：

Who is involved?

這件事情參與者有誰?

What happened?

發生了什麼事情?

When did it happen?

這件事情發生在什麼時候?

Where did it happen?

這件事情發生在哪裏?

Why did it happen?

發生這件事情的原因是什麼?

How did it happen?

事情是如何發生的?

Once you have the information, make notes. Document your sources, and mark any discrepancies in their versions of the story.

當你掌握了這些信息，請記得把它們記下來。然後把它們寫進文檔，記錄這些信息不同版本的差異。

Step 3: Know your role.

步驟3：清楚自己的角色。

Reflect on the information in light of your own standards and values. Is there really a conflict, or is it just a bunch of noise? Does something need to be resolved? Do you have to get involved? Can you leave this up to the parties involved? Think clearly about whether and how you wish to take a stand on the issue.

從自己的標準與價值觀出發，反思這些信息。是否真的產生了衝突，還是隻是一場混亂?是否有事情需要解決?你是不是也要參與到其中?你能置身事外嗎?認真想一想你是否需要參與這件事情，以及你自己是如何看待這件事情的。

Step 4: Identify the root causes.

步驟4：分析問題的根源。

List all the underlying factors you can think of that contributed to the problem--system issues, personalities, old grudges and simmering conflict, plain bad luck. Then list them in rank order according to facts and observation, and spend some time thinking about where the problem really lies.

把所有你能想到的與問題相關的潛在因素列出來：無論是系統問題，還是個人性格，宿怨，激烈的衝突，或僅僅只是運氣不好。然後根據事實和觀察的結果把它們按照順序排列，花點時間思考一下到底問題的根源在哪裏。

Step 5: Select a solution.

步驟5：挑選一個解決方案。

As you weigh possible solutions, keep in mind that you're aiming for something that

當你在衡量可能的解決方案的時候，請記住，你的目標解決方案必須是：

Satisfies everyone involved

皆大歡喜的

Makes it so people feel understood and heard

容易被大家接納的

Is sustainable

有根有據的

Worthy of the situation

實事求是的

Compelling enough to get complete buy-in

人人信服的

Compatible with your standards and values

符合個人標準與價值觀的

Step 6: Check in and monitor.

步驟6：觀察與驗證

After you've selected a solution and implemented it, continue to monitor the situation and check in occasionally to ensure that the problem has truly been resolved.

當你已經確定解決方案並加以實施了，請繼續觀察情況的發展以及不時查看確定它是否把問題徹底地解決了。

A system for problem solving can help you avoid unnecessary conflicts, disputes, and friction. You can know that you're making decisions based on facts, not personalities or snap judgments, and you can give less of your precious time to putting out fires. Try this technique and let me know what happens.

解決問題的模式能夠幫助你避免不必要的衝突，爭吵和摩擦。你會了解到你所做的決定都是基於事實情況，而不是個人觀點或草率的判斷的，你還可以省下自己寶貴的時間免於陷入困境之中。試試這個方法讓筆者知道你的進展如何吧。