How can we believe that someone can give us a "solution" when we haven't even been able to frame the question? Are we that simple minded? Have we been brought to this--that we are puppets, manipulated by marketeers?
We all have need of assistance at one time or another. This is a good thing to recognize. I've run into something I don't understand. I'd better find someone who does understand so that I can move on.
If we feel ill, we might look for some relief from the cold remedies or pain relief aisle at the grocery store. We might even go to a drug store and ask for help from the pharmacist on duty. We may do some research on line or at the library in search of relief. Do we expect to be cured like this? Most would probably admit that they aren't seeking a solution--just some relief from a particularly unpleasant symptom while they wait for "natural" healing to happen.
Some, on the other hand, will look for a "solution" by visiting a medical doctor (or maybe a chiropractor). They will get relief from the most unpleasant symptoms with the advice to "do this for a week." The result is the same except for the cost. Of course there are times when consulting an expert is indicated without question. When I have severe, unexplained pain or profuse bleeding or when a bone suddenly develops a new joint, then it is time to involve outside expertise.
When we ask for assistance and then insist on telling the expert what to do, we can sometimes get what we want (say antibiotics), but doing so will not provide a solution and will, in fact, be detrimental to ourselves and to others.
How does this relate to the business world? Pretty directly as it turns out. When we experience symptoms, we could look for the source and begin lifestyle changes that will render the source harmless in the future. We can even apply topical analgesics in the form of temporary hires, a revenue bond issue or something of that nature to relieve the symptoms while we wait for the cure to develop. Or we can buy some technological antibiotic at considerable expense and increase the general frustration/pain level as we try to graft the "solution" into our corporate body.
When dealing with issues of personal health, does it make sense to ask the pharmaceutical rep what to do? He or she will undoubtedly have the "solution" in their inventory (or pocket). No matter how you ask the question, they will have a product that will provide relief. This is exactly the approach we take when it comes to technology.
What we should do, as a business or an individual, is engage a personal trainer to show us the lifestyle changes and the personal discipline that will be needed to break out of the cycle of pain. The trainer will even recommend some aids when appropriate.
Please, please stop going to technology vendors asking for solutions. Please, please stop and think when "your account manager" calls to tell you about the newest solution available through him.
No two people and no two businesses are the same. A real solution must fit the individual physiology and lifestyle. It must come from within with the aid of expert assistance.
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