3 Most Effective Ways Leaders Solve Problems With Ease
Problem-solving is an inevitable part of the job when it comes to leadership. From big strategic problems to more tactical issues, dealing with problems and finding solutions is a constant part of any leaders daily routine.
Here three simple yet practical ways the best leaders approach their problems with ease:
They are able to define the “real” problem: One of the most important things to do when encountering a problem is to define the real problem. This means taking the time to truly understand the issue at hand before jumping to solutions. It’s important to understand the surface symptoms as well as the underlying causes of the problem. As a leader, it can be easy to rush to solutions, but taking the time to clearly define the problem will lead to better and more effective solutions in the long run.
They don’t stop at either/or decisions: When generating ideas to solve a problem, it’s important to not limit yourself to just two options. Research shows that when choosing between more than two options, we get better outcomes. So if you find yourself choosing between only two options, try to generate more. Ask yourself, “Is there a third option? Or a 4th? 5th even?” or “Is there any way we can do both A and B in some form? Can we combine elements of either?”
They look at it from different angles: When it comes to solving problems it’s best to be aware of your own biases and how they can cloud your objectivity. Additionally, if you’re working with a team, the risk of bias increases when everyone looks and thinks the same. To combat this, it’s important to look at problems from different angles and perspectives. This can be done by looking at the problem from a future timeline or by considering different focal points. A study on the effect of multiple-perspective thinking on problem-solving found that people with higher ‘multiple perspective thinking scores’ were able to define problems from more perspectives and generate more solutions.
In conclusion, as a leader, problem-solving is an inevitable part of your job but what makes some leaders stand out from the rest is the ease in which they tackle their problems.
Lead From Within: Effective leaders don’t just solve problems, they anticipate challenges, take proactive measures and are always one step ahead.
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