deepstash
Beta
How to take a solution-oriented approach to resolving problems - Thrive Global
Use the why lens
Great leaders only solve problems within their control. Ones connected to their biggest why. They ask:
- Is this our problem?
- Why should we solve this problem?
- What happens if we don’t?
- How would the solution contribute to accomplishing our most important goals?
969 SAVES
This is a professional note extracted from an online article.
Read more efficiently
Save what inspires you
Remember anything
IDEA EXTRACTED FROM:
5
Key Ideas
Use the why lens
Great leaders only solve problems within their control. Ones connected to their biggest why. They ask:
- Is this our problem?
- Why should we solve this problem?
- What happens if we don’t?
- How would the solution contribute to accomplishing our most important goals?
Problems as opportunities
Problems fuel great leaders, providing opportunities to learn and grow to the next level.
The greater the problem, the hungrier they are for a solution. Leaders like Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates view problems as golden opportunities to disrupt the market and revolutionize the customer experience.
Acknowledging the problem
Great leaders acknowledge there is a problem and demonstrate the severity of the problem and the benefit of the solution to stakeholders, partners, and shareholders.
This way, the leader not only takes responsibility for making the problem transparent, but he or she also explores different dimensions of the problem, consequently benefiting from others’ ideas.
Separating problems from people
Great leaders separate problems from people. They ask questions until they understand the issue.
A clear understanding of a problem delivers two-thirds of the solution. By doing so, they can approach the situation fairly and find a suitable solution.
Pointing fingers
Great leaders know that finger-pointing does not solve problems. It only adds new ones.
Instead, a leader starts problem-solving by narrowing down the issue. When the problem has been addressed and potentially solved, they ask their team members what they learned from the experience and how they can improve vulnerable areas.
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
8
Key Ideas
Remain objective
Great problem solvers approach each new problem as though it were brand new.
That way they can apply a specific solution to the problem instead of a fix that may go only partway.
List the obstacles
Great problem solvers take a high-level view of the issues involved and jot down a list of all the potential factors that could get in the way of a solution.
Identify the opportunity
So many times great opportunities are wrapped up inside simple problems.
The problem at hand may be symptomatic of bigger problems with your systems or perhaps your industry.
5 more ideas
16
Key Ideas
Meta-Skills
A meta-skill is a high order skill that allows you to engage with functional expertise more effectively.
It magnifies and activates other skills and is a catalyst for learning an...
Skills And Meta-Skills
Skills are temporary; meta-skills are permanent.
Learning a second language gives you a skill, a learned ability. A meta-skill, on the other hand, is your ability to learn new languages. Developing that meta-skill, makes it easier to learn a third or a fourth tongue.
Alvin Toffler
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn."
13 more ideas
6
Key Ideas
Ask Questions
The right questions are at the heart of discovery. And one of the very first questions you should be asking yourself is “What assumptions can I challenge?”
The mere act of trying to discover what assumptions you and others are making can give you a new perspective on the challenge you're facing.
Discover the Core Problem
Go beyond the basic features being asked for and get to the heart of the problem.
Ask questions like: Who cares about this problem? Why is it important to them?
If there are no good answers to these questions, is the problem even worth working on?
3 more ideas