PROBLEM SOLVING

May

2023

The Root of the Problem

Problems can be annoying.

Problems can be messy.

When it comes to problem-solving, we can easily get caught up in the surface issues without taking the time to discover the root of the problem. It’s tempting to find a quick fix or avoid it and move on. Unfortunately, this often results in a situation that is only temporary or never resolved. Getting to the root of the problem helps us find the real solution.

Below are a few ways to approach getting to the root of the problem.

Zoom Out

The first is to take a step back and look at the big picture. What is the overall issue? What are the contributing factors? Taking a step back and looking at the problem from a higher level can make it easier to identify patterns and areas to address. This can also help to narrow down the possible solutions.

Zoom In

After we have taken a moment to look at the big picture now, we can zoom in. One way to zoom in to get to the root of the problem is by asking questions. You can do this alone or with the help of others. It’s important to ask questions that probe deeper into the issue, such as “What caused this problem?” or “What is the underlying issue that needs to be solved?” Asking the right questions helps to uncover the root cause of the problem.

Shrink It

You’ve heard how to eat an elephant, right? One bite at a time. Just like removing a shrub from the ground, breaking it down into smaller parts is to get to the root of the problem. Look at the problem from different angles, such as the people involved, the environment, or the processes in place. Breaking the problem down into its parts makes it easier to identify the key issues that need addressing.

Open Up

If we spend too much time alone on a problem, we can easily get tunnel vision and focus only on the one solution that seems obvious. By being open to other ideas and solutions, finding the right solution to the problem can be easier.

Getting to the root of the problem can take time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. Taking the time to get to the root of the problem can lead to more effective solutions that can help prevent similar problems from occurring. As we increase our effectiveness at getting to the root of problems, we will improve our leadership of ourselves and others.

Need help getting to the root of a problem you are dealing with? Contact me for a no-cost to you coaching session to help you think into your results. In the meantime, keep digging to the root and lead well.

Apr

2023

5 Steps to Solving Problems

Are you having a tough time figuring out how to solve a problem? You’re not alone! I am in the middle of processing a problem to determine how to grow something I help lead.

Problem-solving can be tough and overwhelming, but don’t worry – there are steps to make it more manageable. Here are some tips to help you become the problem-solving pro you were meant to be.

Identify the problem

Before you can start solving the problem, you have to identify what the problem is. It might be helpful to write down or draw out the problem so you have a visual representation of it. Try to be as specific as possible when identifying the problem – this will help make the rest of the process go more smoothly.Break it down

How do we eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Same with our problem, once you’ve identified the problem, start breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This will help you to make the process less overwhelming and help you identify potential solutions or approaches.

Brainstorm solutions

Now that you have a better understanding of the problem and have broken it down into smaller components, start brainstorming potential solutions. Write down as many ideas as you can think of – even if they don’t seem feasible. This will help you to get your creative juices flowing and will give you more ideas to work with. Involve your team in this as well because more minds bring more ideas.

Analyze the Solutions

Once you have a list of potential solutions, it’s time to analyze them. Consider the pros and cons of each option and decide which one is the best. This helps you narrow down your options and create a plan of action.

Take Action

Think of solutions is the easy part. Now that you have identified the best solution, take action. Create a plan of action and set a timeline for completion. A plan may be as simple as just the first step. The timeline will help keep you on track to continue moving forward.

Monitor Results

Finally, it’s important to monitor the results of your problem-solving efforts. Keep track of progress and adjust as needed. If you sense you are not moving toward your goal this will help determine where to adjust. As you can see, problem-solving continues even in this stage to ensure you get the best results.

Problem-solving can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you can become a problem-solving pro and tackle any problem that comes your way. Maybe you are like me and get stuck and could benefit a thinking partner to help you keep moving forward. If so, contact me for a no cost to you thinking partner session. In the meantime, get out there and start solving! Lead Well.

Jul

2017

Leadership Lessons from the ER

A number of years ago I was having sharp pains all over my abdominal area. I dealt with them for over a month. I even went to the ER one night only to get a pat on the back and reassurance I would be OK. One particular evening I had gone out to a very nice steak dinner with my parents and family to celebrate my birthday.

After putting the kids to bed my wife and I finished our dessert from the meal and soon after went to bed. At about 11:30 PM I woke up and the pain was different. I just knew something was going on. I told my wife she had to find someone to watch the kids and that I needed to go to the ER.

Now I can tolerate pain . . . for the most part. This evening when we got to the ER all I wanted is them to give me something to stop the pain. It was excruciating and I had just seen my entire dinner again if you know what I mean.

The next ten days are a fog. During the first five I was so medicated I barely remember people coming in and out of the hospital to visit. I remember a point during my stay where I felt like I was suffocating and had to be put on oxygen while having a tube down my throat. I cannot imagine what my family was feeling because I barely knew where I was. Finally, after numerous tests, the day after my birthday the doctors opened me up to remove a large section of my obstructed small intestine.

After my ten days in the hospital I now weighed 22 pounds less than when I entered, actually less than when I was a freshman in high school. I was gaunt and felt like I was 80 years old. I felt like I was climbing a mountain just to walk down the street five houses in beautiful Spring weather. The recovery was slow, but now years later I have memories and a large scar to remind me of the experience.

What does this have to do with leadership?

Even in great adversity I had to lead myself – I was in the middle of completing my Masters and in spite of my situation I had to be disciplined to complete work to keep me moving forward. (I know … I am a little too “Type A”) As a leader we want to shut down and give up during the adversity, but the hardest person we have to lead is ourselves and keep taking one step at a time.
No matter how painful the problem, you have to find a solution – I was dealing with this issue for over a month and I tried to ignore it, but obviously I had to deal with the issue. In leadership there may be an obstacle or challenge we want to avoid, but if the problem is important enough no matter how hard we try, we will have to solve it.
Growth takes time – It took me at least a year to get close to where I was physically before the surgery. I was frustrated and I am impatient, but over time I got back. Leaders tend to want results yesterday, but as with our bodies physically it takes time to grow whether that is developing other leaders, an organization, or something else. We need to continually take patient action.

What about you? What leadership challenge are you facing at work or home that if you do not face it head on it will become an emergency? Do you need someone to coach you through the process and hold you accountable? Click Here if you want to learn about the coaching process.

If you found this helpful share it with others or share your thoughts below. Remember pain is temporary and growth is a process. You can do it!

Jun

2017

Puzzling Problems

I was on a brief family trip and we went to my sister-in-law’s house. My children had a blast with their cousins and we sat outside enjoying the weather and talking as adults. As the day wound down we needed to leave and head home so I could get to a meeting.

My middle child loves puzzles and he was close to done with a puzzle he had been working on with his cousin. He really wanted to complete the puzzle before we left. Part of me wanted to say “no” and get us on the road back home, but instead my wife and I joined forces with my son and helped complete the puzzle.

We could have pulled him away and then had a very frustrated child on our hands or we could have sat and impatiently watched him attempt to complete it. Instead we solved both our problems by working together. As we all tried and failed and tried and failed and eventually tried and succeeded we accomplished the result as a team in less time than it would have taken for one individual. Mom and dad got out of the house quickly and my son enjoyed the satisfaction of accomplishing his goal.

Often I think it would be easier for me to solve my problems alone. Sometimes this is true, but I do not have the benefit of learning from others in the process. As a leader many problems come your way, do you try to solve all of them alone or do you involve others in the process? When we solve our problems with others we can look at the problem from multiple angles and try multiple strategies similar to putting together a puzzle. If we include a team of people they create a mastermind. They put their minds with our mind and create a huge group of thinkers who can help look at the situation from multiple perspectives.

Next time you have a puzzling problem maybe these concepts will be helpful:

Determine is this a problem – something I can change
Determine if this is a predicament – something I just need to adjust my attitude on and accept
If this is a problem, are there people you can bring together to create a mastermind to help solve this problem?
Maybe the problem ultimately requires you to grow as a leader and you need others to help you along in your growth journey

Next time you are feeling puzzled by a work or home leadership challenge create a team or invite another individual to coach you through the process on how to solve this challenge. Work with a team to help you fulfill your dream. Oh, by the way, you may find that you don’t have a complete answer to the problem like we did when we found a piece missing . . . but that is a story for another time.