Ivan Misner, over at Networking Now blog (on the Entrepreneur.com blog network), has an interesting post today about solutions-focused attitudes. Too many folks in this world, says Misner, have a problem-focused attitude, which invites resistance and stunts growth.

Do you have a problem-focused attitude or a solutions-focused attitude?

People with Problem-Focused Attitudes focus on:

• What’s wrong
• What needs fixing
• Blame
• Control
• The past
• Deficits and weaknesses
• Complications
• Definitions

People with Solutions-Focused Attitudes focus on:

• What’s wanted
• What’s working
• Progress
• Influence
• Collaboration
• Resources and strengths
• Simplicity
• Actions

In business, executives are trained to problem solve. Think about all the problem-solving tools they use: cause and effect diagrams, flow charts, risk analysis, USP analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, systems diagrams, even SWOT analysis. Business literature has long suggested that problem-solving ability is one of the four-dimensions of leadership. But executives could greatly benefit from being more solutions-focused. All it takes is a little reframing. Instead of asking “why didn’t we hit our targets?” they could ask “what do we need to do next time to hit our targets?”

Solutions-focused executives are better able to create lizard experiences at work. What’s a lizard experience? It starts by using the best of who you are to create the best of what you want. You focus on what you want instead of the negatives. You focus on your assets, your opportunities, your strengths, your resources, your attitude. The more lizard experiences you create with your team and for your customers or clients, the more business you will generate. The more your sales and profits will soar. Your company’s bottom line will increase, turnover will decrease, and your employees will become more connected and passionate.

The next time you find yourself focused on problems and how to fix things, step back and ask yourself if you need a solutions-focused attitude adjustment.