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Understand the difference between a Problem and a Symptom Watch the case story below and then test your knowledge!

Symptom: caused by problems (Band-Aid)

Problem: the cause of many symptoms (Cure)

PROBLEM

SYMPTOM

Sarah is overwhelmed: WHY? Because she’s had a difficult weak. Being overwhelmed could be a symptom of her analyst quitting (forcing her to work more).

Jeff is getting a divorce: WHY? Hmm, we’re not sure, but the reason for the divorce doesn’t seem to be a stressor for Sarah. Jeff getting divorced is a problem for Sarah because it’s creating other stressors in her life.

Sarah is worried about Jeff: WHY? Because he’s getting a divorce. Sarah’s worrying is a symptom of Jeff’s divorce.

Sarah’s father is unwilling to step back: WHY? There are probably tons of reasons! But these reasons are not the stressors for Sarah. Sara’s father’s unwillingness to step back is a problem because it could have a negative impact on the business.

Sarah is worried about the business: WHY? Because her father is not giver her brother room to lead. Sarah’s worries are a symptom of her father being unwilling to step back.

Jeff has not had the opportunity to lead: WHY? Because his father has not given him the chance. Jeff’s lack of opportunity is another symptom of Sarah’s father’s unwillingness to step back.

The business has a ‘glass ceiling’: WHY? There could be many reasons. This is a common problem in family businesses and is likely to be the root of many stressors.

Sarah’s analyst quit: WHY? Because she felt there was a glass ceiling. The analyst quitting is a symptom of the glass ceiling.

Sarah is feeling stressed at work: WHY? Because her best analyst quit because of the glass ceiling. Sarah’s stress is just another symptom of the business having a ‘glass ceiling’.

Sarah doesn’t have time for her kids, husband, or herself: WHY? Because she has to work more since her analyst quit due to the glass ceiling. Sarah’s lack of time is yet another symptom of the ‘glass ceiling’.

Distinguishing between problems and symptoms is not always black and white. A trick you can use, is to ask yourself WHY and start your answer with because. We’ve used this trick to go through the problems and symptoms from this exercise.

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Primary Sources:

Covey, Stephen R. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Restoring the Character Ethic. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1989. Print.

Shenk, Joshua Wolf. Powers of Two: How Relationships Drive Creativity. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

Supporting Sources:

Holdstein, Russell S. "Solve Problems, Not Symptoms." Solve Problems, Not Symptoms. Spartina, Inc., 2008. Web. 03 Dec. 2015.

Bahrami, B., K. Olsen, P. E. Latham, A. Roepstorff, G. Rees, and C. D. Frith. "Optimally Interacting Minds." Science 329.5995 (2010): n. pag. Web.

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