The Problem with Opportunity

When I entered the workforce many years ago, there were no problems. Every "problem" was labeled an "opportunity" because an opportunity was a gain-frame which meant the associate could choose to develop instead of correct. While these two words can be synonymous is certain situations, I'm wary of using the Find and Replace function to remove "problem" from the conversation.

The dictionary defines a problem as a situation that needs to be dealt with and overcome. There is a sense of urgency and consequence. If opportunity knocks and one can choose to answer, problem drop-kicks the door, barging in and requiring attention immediately. When I first became a supervisor, I remember being a witness for a corrective action plan where the manager explained to the associate, who would be terminated if he was absent again based on company policy, that attendance was an opportunity. I don't think the associate left the conversation understanding the urgency to fix the problem because the leader's choice of euphemisms suggested that by coming to work on time, the associate could advance his career instead of sustain. There was no moment when the associate heard that attendance was a problem. When there is a problem, there can be a solution. By defining the issue as a problem, the associate could have left the meeting with realistic expectations.

Personally, I look at opportunity as actions that can help an associate grow in his/her current role and prepare for the next career move. Opportunity can only exist if the current baseline job requirements are being met and no problems are present. As leaders, we should triage problems and be direct when an issue needs to be addressed immediately. We should also celebrate opportunities and nourish that growth by defining it as such. We owe it to our associates to set realistic expectations regarding performance measurements. By identifying a problem, the associate can then work toward resolution because opportunity can only knock, if the door isn't currently drop-kicked in by problem.