Don't wish it was easier; wish you were better. Don't wish for less problems; wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenges; wish for more wisdom. Jim Rohn
Imagine that you have gathered your staff together to solve a critical problem in your company. You will lead the meeting, and all eyes will be on you for how competently you handle this important task of solving the companys problems. Your credibility is on the line. What process would you use to lead your staff to a solution? If you dont have a ready answer to this question, its a safe bet you are allowing serious issues to exist in your company that are damaging your credibility, limiting your companys potential, and which could have, and should have, been solved by now.
If your company does possess a reliable system for solving problems, your staff would know exactly what to do when one arises. You wouldnt even need to be present. The system would work regardless is at, or who is leading, the meeting.
Hmmm, what would it mean to you if you didnt have to personally solve all of your companys problems? Just imagine the possibilities.
The following seven-step system is one that I devised to solve the challenging problems of a business. Try it on for size.
You will see two words used: solution and path. Solution is the desired result you want; path is the process, or series of activities required to achieve that desired result or solution.
1. Record the specific problem. It is critical that it is perfectly clear and is, indeed, agreed to be the problem by everyone involved.
2. Describe the desired results that the perfect solution creates for you.
3. Brainstorm every possible path to create that perfect solution. Record every idea, without judgment, however unlikely it seems.
4. Review all the path ideas in light of your available resources. (People, time, cash, credit, equipment, etc.) Now pick the three most viable paths to the perfect solution. Its too early to commit to one just yet. What looks best at this point could change after the next step.
5. Outline the logical steps, and the resources required, to follow each of the three paths chosen.
6. Compare the requirements for each path and choose the one that best matches your available resources and shows greatest promise of creating your perfect solution.
7. Execute: Focus everyone involved on the chosen path; delegate responsibilities and activities; choose a timeline; decide how to hold people accountable, and select any rewards available for your teams success.
Some problems, it seems, you just have to live with. Other problems should be delegated to someone else to fix. Certain problems however, require a problem-solving mechanism where problems go in one end and come out the other end as a plan of attack to fix them. Not having such a mechanism can cripple a company, frustrate your employees, and just create more problems.
We admire people who get things done. These people dont encounter fewer problems than anyone else they just know how to solve them.
How you solve problems will define your leadership and your companys destiny. A reliable system will give you confidence to look at your problems not as a threat, but as your greatest opportunity to be that person who gets things done. You owe it to yourself, and those who depend on you, to become that person.
Steve Meisenheimer offers practical insights into leading and managing a growing company through his books, audios, and subscription products. Learn more at http://www.MeisenheimerInc.com, or e-mail Steve at Steve@MeisenheimerInc.com.
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