In their constant quest to improve results, managers are overwhelmed and burdened with many tasks and responsibilities. It is easy for them to ignore the challenges that confront them while hoping that issues will resolve themselves. However, rather than disappear, unmet challenges create a new set of problems that can represent a deepening morass from which managers must extricate themselves.

Problems and challenges are a regular and ongoing occurrence: Some surface as daily tactical problems and issues, while others are more complex, time-consuming, and strategic in nature. In all forms, problems can overwhelm managers and sap their productivity.

Managers must create a systematic approach to problem solving to allow time for their regular duties and responsibilities. Without a detailed, time-focused approach that allows managers to break challenges down into more manageable components, they will quickly feel overwhelmed by the enormousness of the demands facing them.

The manager who hopes that problems will go away on their own will be faced with the following consequences.

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