| 4 Steps to Help Your Staff Problem Solve | November 14, 2011 |
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Greetings!
Do you spend too much time trying to solve the problems of your staff?
 Sometimes they need you to, and that's your job. But often, the solution to the challenge lies within the staff person that's bringing it to you. The end result is much more effective if he/she plays a significant role in strategizing the solution. Why? Because the personal investment will create a commitment and ability to prevent and solve future similar challenges.
That means less time spent in your office, asking you to solve problems that could be figured out without you.
Look at today's tip for the four steps to empowering your staff to problem solve, and check out the upcoming Leadership Success Circle coming in 2012!
Unleash the Leader Within! 
Teresa Gilbert
Pathways to Excellence, LLC CLICK HERE for past editions. |
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MONDAY MORNING LEADERSHIP TIP #185
4 Steps to Help Your Staff Problem Solve |
When a direct report, colleague (or family member/friend, for that matter) comes to you with a problem, which he/she is asking you to solve, try Dale Carnegie's effective strategy to keeping the problem-solving where it belongs. Before giving any kind of answer, suggestion or solution to the problem, ask the following four questions?
 What exactly is the problem? Make sure the problem is articulated clearly and concisely, and not just accusations toward a person or group of people.- What caused the problem? Ask for specifics. Help the person determine whether it's a systems problem, a personality clash, a lack of resources, etc. Let the person talk through and provide conversational coaching for him/her to discover the cause, rather than you deciding.
- What are some possible solutions to the problem? Be patient here. The first answer may be "I don't know." Say something like "well, let's brainstorm this for a minute. What are some things we might do that will make a difference." Again, let the person come up with the suggestions.
- What solution do you recommend? After the two of you have developed a list of possible solutions, discuss which of the solutions the other person recommends. Offer support in determining what the person needs to implement this solution.
In the future, make sure your direct reports (colleagues, etc.) know that any time they come to you, asking you for a solution to a problem, you will ask them these four questions. It will change everything.
If it is well known that these four questions will be asked about any problem that comes to you, individuals will begin to discover these answers before they approach you. In doing so, the majority of the time, they will have figured out the best solution to the problem, and all they may need is your blessing. This keeps the problem-solving at the most effective level possible, not to mention making your life a little easier!
For more tips on living your leadership, and providing great coaching for your staff.... our "Success Circle" may be the missing piece to "living your leadership." If you would like more information on the Leadership Success Circle when it is launched, click here to sign up and we'll send you the details when we roll the red carpet out for this exciting new program! |
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LEADERSHIP TRAINING | |
Would you like to learn more about leadership topics such as this one?
 Leadership training opportunities are offered in many ways to meet your organization's specific needs and budget. Take a look at our different training approaches, including these On-Demand traning courses:
- Supervisor 101
- Bringing Out the Best in You and Others
- Managing Staff in Stressful Times: Celebrations and Challenges of Leading Multiple Generations
- Dealing With Difficult People
- Creating a Culture of Customer Service Excellence
- The Healthy Leader: Learning to Lead Yourself
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| ABOUT TERESA |
 Teresa Gilbert is founder of Pathways to Excellence, LLC, a company devoted to inspring excellence in others, empowering them to rise to their potential and "unleash the leader within"! She is also a Consultant, Leadership Coach, and author. If you liked today's issue, you'll love Teresa's dynamic coaching and training in the form of on-demand training, on-site presentations and one-on-one consulting. See more about Teresa and Pathways programs here. Teresa Gilbert, "Live Your Leadership Mentor" Pathways to Excellence, LLC teresa@teresagilbert.com Phone: 618-521-1917 | Fax: 618-223-5181 |
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