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The Four Corners of Problem
Solving
By Barton Goldsmith
How much of your day is involved with solving other people's problems?
Many business owners spend half their time solving problems for their
team members. Time that could be used working "on" their businesses
rather than "in" their businesses. In addition, if you solve
the problems for your team members, you are not educating them to become
effective managers.
These four steps to Innovative Problem Solving can guide you and your
team to timely, productive and profitable answers to your challenges.
The key here is that if you can't answer all the questions, you may not
be looking at the right issue.
Step 1. Confirming and Outlining the Problem
Facing the problem is usually the hardest part, looking at a problem square
in the eye. If you are serious about finding a solution, you need to first
confirm that there is a problem. Once you have confirmation, outline the
problem. Ask yourself and your team, "What is the real issue here?"
Look at the source of the discovery, are team members blaming other team
members or clients? Are you blaming others? And finally you have to ask
the toughest question, are you part of the problem?
Step 2. Creating Solutions
Being very clear on the issues opens new doors of thinking and perspectives.
A clear vision of the problem allows various choices to appear. Take the
time to write down all the possible choices, even ones that may seem "far
out". Remember, there could be a seed of wisdom there. Don't eliminate
anything. This is the art of Brainstorming. Be aware that in order to
Brainstorm effectively, the leader needs to participate in the session
rather than conduct it.
Step 3. Evaluating Solutions
This is where you weed your ideas and evaluate each potential solution.
Which ones "speak" to you? If they "speak", then consider
the resources necessary, i.e. what will it take to get this plan in motion?
Are the resources available and are they appropriate? In other words,
how much is it going to cost? Some people think that by throwing money
at a problem you can solve it, and that isn't necessarily so. Next, you
need to estimate the probability of success. Take those ideas and weigh
and balance them to figure out which are the most feasible. This is simply
guessing, the first step in a statistical analysis. Select the three best
ideas to work on, more than that makes the final choice next to impossible.
Step 4. Creating the Action Plan
This is where you establish your game/strategic plan. Write down the necessary
action steps, with an anticipated time line of completion. Your next step
is to anticipate obstacles. What's in the way of implementing your new
plan and what is needed to overcome them? Brainstorm once again with some
different staff members to get another perspective. Try experimenting
with the ideas. As you weigh the strengths and weaknesses, you can make
your final adjustments. Be sure to allow for the creative process in your
outcome.
For more than two decades Fortune
500 companies, educational institutions, and government organizations
worldwide have relied on Dr. Barton Goldsmith to help them develop
creative and balanced leadership. He is a highly sought-after keynote
speaker, business consultant and author. His column "Passionate
Leadership" appears in over 150 newspapers, magazines and trade
publications, including the Los Angeles Business Journal. Dr. Goldsmith
works regularly with The Young President's Organization (YPO) and
The Executive Committee (TEC). Considered an expert on business, he
has given over 5,000 professional presentations and has spoken to
audiences worldwide. He can be contacted through his web site at:
www.BartonGoldsmith.com
or at (866) 5-BARTON. |
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