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Problem Solving: How do leaders solve problems?

Apr 25, 2010
Problem Solving

 Leaders rarely, if ever, have to make a decision in a vacuum.  In fact, most of the best decisions are made by teams.  When leaders with passion, focus and determination get together sparks fly and improved results follow.  How do leaders do this?

1. Identify failure to follow process.  Document the steps of the process as it should flow, verify it and then require that everyone follow it.  Click here to read Organizational Results:  Adopt Evidence-Based Processes.

2. Identify the available options.  Begin your list with doing nothing.  End it with the ridiculous.  Then consider every other reasonable option in between. 

3. Consider the pros and cons for each option.  This process quickly eliminates any unreasonable option yet demonstrates that everything was considered.

4. Select the best option.

 How do you begin to solve problems?

4 Comments
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4 Comments

  1. Kendall L. Stewart  •  Apr 26, 2010 @5:47 am

    Leeann, leaders often fail to follow this basic process.
    Instead, we are tempted to talk endlessly about what we think or feel.
    Caught up in the distracting tempest of arousal, we may overlook the real problem entirely.
    The first leader to recognize this is happening must focus the group on the process.

  2. Vicki Noel  •  Apr 26, 2010 @7:14 pm

    Leeann…you are absolutely right. Leaders make their BEST decisions as a team. This simple process is so helpful when trying to sort out the best solution, especially when there are no great options to choose from. I am thankful everyday that we use this process in the Executive Team with our most difficult problems. When followed, this process allows me to look into the mirror and truly believe we have tried to look at every possible solution.

  3. stonej  •  Apr 30, 2010 @10:55 am

    It is so tempting to not identify all avaliable options, it seems faster and easier at the time to look at the obvious and move on. I have to tell myself not to get in a hurry to “solve it now” and also not to be pressured for a instant decision. #2 is excellent guidance on problem solving!

  4. Leeann Sammons  •  Apr 30, 2010 @9:11 pm

    Jone, resisting the urge to solve a problem with what appears to be the best option is tempting. Posting the basic Problem Solving Steps where you can see them is one tactic to remind yourself to apply them.

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