Problem Solving Skills for Leaders #2...Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia

There are other ways to problem solve.  People and their personalities vary widely, so effective problem solving relies on mental models to help come up with best solutions.  Here are a few more steps to help you journey through the problem solving process…

Identify the root causes.

Consider all factors that contributed to the problem.  Once you have thought of all the factors, you will want to list them in order.  After thinking about these factors, you will want to think about where the true problem lies.

Select a solution.

Think about all the solutions possible.  You will want to keep what you are trying to solve at the forefront of your mind.  Consider these ideas…

• Satisfies everyone involved
• Makes it so people feel understood and heard
• Compatible with your standards and values

Check in and monitor.

Continue to monitor the situation after a solution has been made.  This helps you make sure that the problem has truly been solved.

Having a few steps in place will help you problem solve effectively.  By doing so, you know that you have the beginning of a toolbox that helps you navigate through the process of becoming an great leader.

Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia

Problem Solving for Leaders...Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia

As you gather experience as a leader, over time you acquire a tool kit of techniques and strategies that help. Then when a conflict arises you don’t have to create something new to help you get through.

Trying a few steps can help you problem solve when something comes up.   You can possibly tweak these to fit your situation, and the more you do the better you get at it.

Step 1: Understand the problem.

It is always best to gather all the information to help understand what you are dealing with.  Try to think about everything from all perspectives and consider how the decisions made will affect them. 

Step 2: Define the problem.

Asking a few questions helps to determine the exact problem:

• Who is involved?
• What happened?
• Why did it happen?
• How did it happen?

Get your answers and make notes.

Step 3: Know your role.

Do you really need to get involved?  You need to think about your standards and values and see how they compare to the situation.  Think clearly about whether and how you wish to take a stand on the issue.

Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia

More Reasons for Successful Leaders...Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia

In my last writing, I discussed when times warrant successful leaders to make a change in an original decision.  Here are a few other circumstances that can help leaders determine when it is best to change a previous decision…

A bold decision may be right at the time, but sometimes in the light of day it turns out to be unworkable in practice. If early feedback suggests that a plan isn’t working—it’s wise to listen and make changes where necessary. Always listen to those who know best: those who are out in the field every day.

Once you’re into the thick of something, the clear choice may be to do nothing at all for now. It’s not a matter of reversing a decision in this case, but of delaying its implementation until conditions improve or the surrounding issues become clearer. Despite the pressure leaders feel to be bold and act decisively, doing nothing is preferable to making a disastrous choice. If waiting can give you an edge, wait.

Let’s honor those leaders who are forward-thinking enough to correct their course, pivot or wait even though they risk their reputations by having people think they are indecisive. Sometimes you need to change your mind, and that’s OK.

Successful leaders are able to make shifts in their thinking because they never stop looking for ways to improve the end result.

Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia