PPS – At first glance you may think of Post-post script, but this is a different kind PPS. PPS is something that can save you time, money, and all kinds of headaches. It leads to a more blissful existence and a better quality of life, if used properly. So what is this wonderful device called PPS? Preemptive Problem Solving.

Preemptive Problem Solving is not a new concept, but it’s one that should not be taken lightly. As a phrase I started using in 2009, it has helped me countless times to avoid bad situations where problems are likely to arise. Using PPS has become ingrained into my core, and has changed my entire way of thinking.

Preemptive Problem Solving means avoiding issues by minimizing the chances they will occur. Murphy’s Law of “Whatever can go wrong – will go wrong” is a pretty universal constant. It doesn’t exist to be negative – after all, sometimes things that should go wrong – don’t. It exists to remind yourself to limit your risk by reducing the amount of things that can go wrong through planning ahead.

The Preemptive Problem Solving Process

The first task is to Recognize Potential Problems. This may be something you should bring outsiders in for, as you’re more likely to get an un-bias assessment of the situation. Be honest with yourself, and be smart about not missing things or sweeping them under the rug as if they don’t exist – that’s only going to make it harder on you when the problems resurface.

The next step is to take all of the potential problems identified from step 1 and identify the best solutions – as well as checking for possible issues you may have missed. Between the Internet and your own experience in life, it’s pretty easy to find a solution that fits you – as long as you actually do the work. Simply making a list is not sufficient research.

The final step is taking action to avoid potential problems. Avoiding a problem completely is usually best, but sometimes that’s impossible. In such cases, it’s important to at least minimize your risk – especially risk that could results in serious losses.

Short of knowing the future, there’s no fool-proof way to avoid risk completely – but making smart choices and instituting preemptive problem solving in your organization is a great way to maximize positive results while keeping negative situations at bay.