Fault Finding vs Solution Finding

I have to agree with Perry Noble who said, “Negative, critical people have NEVER come up with a positive solution for anything.”

Now, I realize that’s a pretty strong statement, but through the course of my life, I’ve found it to be quite accurate.

In any given situation, there are two kinds of people:  Fault Finders and Solution Finders.

Fault Finders immediately see the flaws of the world, the nation, the community, and others.  They seem to get a morose satisfaction in pointing them out.  Of course, there’s no intelligent alternative solution offered – only criticism.

Fault Finding isn’t rocket science.  You don’t have to be very bright to gripe and complain.  In fact, such behavior indicates small mindedness.

Great minds talk about great ideas.  Average minds talk about the weather.  Small minds talk about other people.  Or, as Benjamin Disraeli said, “To belittle is to be little.”

Solution Finders, on the other hand, commit themselves to the harder work.  Like the Fault Finders, they see the problems – but unlike them, they believe there’s a positive solution if you keep looking.  Solution Finders believe that every problem contains the seeds of its own solution.

Fault Finders arrive at the problem, and then pitch their tents at Complaint Campground.  It’s easier to whine about a problem than to go about the hard work of tackling it.

Solution Finders won’t let a problem stand in the way for long.  For them, difficulties are detours rather than destination points.  They believe in GROWING through the hardships rather than just GOING through them.

Fault Finders spend their energies fixing the blame.  Solution Finders invest themselves in fixing the problem.

Fault Finders view little bumps along the path as roadblocks to progress.  Solution Finders view huge mountains as challenges to be conquered.

At the end of the day, the Solution Finders make things happen, while the Fault Finders criticize and condemn.

I’d rather be criticized for doing something, than to criticize and do nothing.

I’m reminded of the great evangelist, D. L. Moody, who was rebuked by an agitated detractor, “Moody, I don’t like your methods of evangelism!”

To this, Moody replied, “And tell me sir, what are your methods of evangelism?”

“I don’t have any.”

“Then,” said Moody, “ I like mine better than yours.”