Solving problems that do not exist.

Solving problems that do not exist.

‘Lanre Fatokun

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We were on a trip from my engineering office. On the team, we had mostly engineers, but there were also a lawyer, and a supply chain person (an economist).

As we drove past an 18-wheeler truck heavily loaded but with the goods  covered with canvas, the Economist asked, “what could be in those rows of drums under the canvas?”

So the analysis began.

First, it was a Dangote-type truck (Dangote is a Nigerian Conglomerate).

Second, the canvass had “Ilorin Flour depot” written on it.

But then, no flour mill would transport flour in drums!

Then the economist thought it could be chemicals used in some Dangote Operations.

Just then the lawyer lady shouted to the economist, “Guy, have you started thinking like them? What is your business with the contents of the drums on the truck!”

We all roared with laughter!

The economist quickly stated that it was not his fault! He had been with engineers so long that he had started thinking like them!

But we were very close to a good guess!

We had no problem that day! we dint need to know the contents of the trucj, or whether the drums were empty!

But on 2nd thought, could anyone achieve much, or remain relevant for long without attempting to solve problems that do not exist?

Was the airplane needed when the Wright Brothers gave themselves the assignment of flying?

Was the microwave the problem when it was stumbled upon?

Mankind was doing well without cars till Henry Ford insisted that every family in North America had to have one!

It appears that those individuals and organisations which forge ahead are those who attempt to solve problems that do not exist!

Accommodation, when you dont even have a family!

Home ownership, when your landlord is still nice!

Portfolio investments, when your children’s school fees are still low!

Self-development , when your job does not yet demand the new skill!

Increasing production capacity, when you are still meeting demand!

Look beyond what is obvious.

How could you take YOU toa new level?

. . . solving problems that do not exist!

. . . In English, it is called PROACTIVE!