Developing the Leader within Ch: 5

Problem Solving: The Quickest Way to Gain Leadership

• The book "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck changed the author's life by making them understand that life is difficult and once accepted, it no longer matters.
• Individuals can think "me," but leaders must think "we" and consider other people's problems as their own.

The Life of a Leader

• A leader's life is not their own, and they must deal with problems that arise.
• Most leaders are either entering, in the middle of, or just resolving a crisis.
• Problems are a constant in a leader's life, and they must be pragmatic and see opportunities in them.

Personal Lessons Learned

• The author's proximity to problems affected their decisions, and they learned to stay close to people to make good decisions.
• As a leader, problems are constant, and expecting anything else is unrealistic.
• Pragmatism serves leaders well, and they must be patient and persistent in solving problems.
• Believing that there is always an answer is an asset for problem solvers.
• A leader's actions can make problems better or worse, and they must take responsibility for their attitude and emotions.

The Six Biggest Lessons Learned

• Proximity to problems affects decisions
• Problems never stay solved
• Pragmatism serves leaders well
• Believing in solutions is an asset
• Actions can make problems better or worse
• Problems introduce us to ourselves, others, and opportunities

Problems Introduce Us to Ourselves

• The hardest thing about milking cows is that they never stay milked - problems are constant
• Pragmatism helps leaders solve problems
• Believing in solutions motivates leaders to keep working on problems
• Mental agility is a key problem-solving skill
• Leaders must take responsibility for addressing problems and emotions

Problems Introduce Us to Others

• How people respond to problems reveals their character
• People can make problems worse or better
• Some people attract problems, and leaders must help them change
• People who give up in the face of problems can be helped to change
• People who use problems as stepping-stones for success can overcome obstacles### The Power of Problem Solving
• Small problems can create a bigger problem for yourself if you don't empower your people to be better problem solvers.
• "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity" - Albert Einstein
• The best leaders are the best problem solvers, they approach problems with a lens of opportunity.

8 Steps to Look at Problems Through the Lens of Opportunity

• 1. Recognize a Potential Problem Before it Becomes a Real Problem

  • Anticipate problems to position yourself and your team for success
  • Identify potential problems and have a game plan to fix them

• 2. Get a Clear Picture of the Problem

  • Identify what constitutes a problem
  • Define reality as a leader
  • Refuse to rationalize or justify bad choices

• 3. Ask Questions to Help You Solve Problems

  • The Information Question: "Who knows the most about this problem?"
  • The Experience Question: "Who knows what I need to know?"
  • The Challenge Question: "Who wants to tackle this problem?"
  • The Magnitude Question: "Who needs to buy in, and how long will that take?"
  • The Trust Question: "Have we earned enough trust to make needed changes?"
  • The Personal Question: "What questions do I need to ask myself?"

• 4. Create a Framework to Examine Problems and Solutions

  • Develop a framework to judge solutions
  • Consider leadership, personnel, timing, vision, priorities, and values

• 5. Value Shared Problem Solving

  • Enlist the aid of other thinkers to help solve problems
  • Use the Socratic method to gain from others' thinking
  • Foster an environment of shared problem solving

• 6. Always Come Up with More than One Solution

  • Pursue multiple solutions to a problem
  • The more options, the better
  • Big ideas evolve as you explore and look for more and better solutions

• 7. Cultivate a Bias for Action

  • Develop a bias for action, not just thought
  • Think "How can I?" instead of "Can I?"
  • Move forward and take deliberate steps

• 8. Actively Look for Opportunities and Lessons in Every Problem

  • See opportunities in the midst of problems
  • Develop a bias for action and look for lessons
  • Solve problems to improve your life and leadership### Developing Problem Solving Skills as a Leader

• Problem solving provides unique opportunities for leaders to make an impact and grow in their role.

• How you handle problems shapes your attitude and leadership, and you can change your mind-set to see problems as opportunities.

Reflecting on Your Approach to Problems

• Ask yourself: "What does the way I handle problems say about me?"
• Consider whether you see problems as opportunities to use your leadership for the betterment of your team and organization, or as inconveniences.
• Make a list of past problems that have led to lessons or opportunities, and decide to look for the potential positives in your problems from now on.

Enlisting Others as Problem Solvers

• When facing problems, use questions to learn more about your team, gather information, brainstorm ideas, and find multiple solutions.
• Ask questions like:
  • When did the problem begin?
  • Where did it begin?
  • Who was first to notice it?
  • What are several possible causes for it?
  • What is the impact of the problem?
  • Who is affected?
  • What other possible negative consequences could it have?
  • Is this problem part of a bigger problem?
  • If so, how?
  • Who has dealt with this kind of problem successfully?
  • What are several possible approaches to solving it?
  • What kind of time, expertise, and resources will be needed for these solutions?
  • Will people buy into these solutions?
  • How long will each of these solutions take to implement?
  • How might these solutions give us future advantages?
  • What lessons can be learned from all of this?

Finding Opportunities in Current Problems

• Pick one big problem you are currently working on and brainstorm as many creative opportunities as possible that could be associated with the problem and solution.
• Consider how these thoughts can shape the problem-solving process, and how you can use a problem to actually move your team or organization farther ahead.
• By doing so, you can become a change agent, one of the most difficult leadership tasks.

Problem Solving: The Quickest Way to Gain Leadership

• The book "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck changed the author's life by making them understand that life is difficult and once accepted, it no longer matters.
• Individuals can think "me," but leaders must think "we" and consider other people's problems as their own.

The Life of a Leader

• A leader's life is not their own, and they must deal with problems that arise.
• Most leaders are either entering, in the middle of, or just resolving a crisis.
• Problems are a constant in a leader's life, and they must be pragmatic and see opportunities in them.

Personal Lessons Learned

• The author's proximity to problems affected their decisions, and they learned to stay close to people to make good decisions.
• As a leader, problems are constant, and expecting anything else is unrealistic.
• Pragmatism serves leaders well, and they must be patient and persistent in solving problems.
• Believing that there is always an answer is an asset for problem solvers.
• A leader's actions can make problems better or worse, and they must take responsibility for their attitude and emotions.

The Six Biggest Lessons Learned

• Proximity to problems affects decisions
• Problems never stay solved
• Pragmatism serves leaders well
• Believing in solutions is an asset
• Actions can make problems better or worse
• Problems introduce us to ourselves, others, and opportunities

Problems Introduce Us to Ourselves

• The hardest thing about milking cows is that they never stay milked - problems are constant
• Pragmatism helps leaders solve problems
• Believing in solutions motivates leaders to keep working on problems
• Mental agility is a key problem-solving skill
• Leaders must take responsibility for addressing problems and emotions

Problems Introduce Us to Others

• How people respond to problems reveals their character
• People can make problems worse or better
• Some people attract problems, and leaders must help them change
• People who give up in the face of problems can be helped to change
• People who use problems as stepping-stones for success can overcome obstacles### The Power of Problem Solving
• Small problems can create a bigger problem for yourself if you don't empower your people to be better problem solvers.
• "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity" - Albert Einstein
• The best leaders are the best problem solvers, they approach problems with a lens of opportunity.

8 Steps to Look at Problems Through the Lens of Opportunity

• 1. Recognize a Potential Problem Before it Becomes a Real Problem

  • Anticipate problems to position yourself and your team for success
  • Identify potential problems and have a game plan to fix them

• 2. Get a Clear Picture of the Problem

  • Identify what constitutes a problem
  • Define reality as a leader
  • Refuse to rationalize or justify bad choices

• 3. Ask Questions to Help You Solve Problems

  • The Information Question: "Who knows the most about this problem?"
  • The Experience Question: "Who knows what I need to know?"
  • The Challenge Question: "Who wants to tackle this problem?"
  • The Magnitude Question: "Who needs to buy in, and how long will that take?"
  • The Trust Question: "Have we earned enough trust to make needed changes?"
  • The Personal Question: "What questions do I need to ask myself?"

• 4. Create a Framework to Examine Problems and Solutions

  • Develop a framework to judge solutions
  • Consider leadership, personnel, timing, vision, priorities, and values

• 5. Value Shared Problem Solving

  • Enlist the aid of other thinkers to help solve problems
  • Use the Socratic method to gain from others' thinking
  • Foster an environment of shared problem solving

• 6. Always Come Up with More than One Solution

  • Pursue multiple solutions to a problem
  • The more options, the better
  • Big ideas evolve as you explore and look for more and better solutions

• 7. Cultivate a Bias for Action

  • Develop a bias for action, not just thought
  • Think "How can I?" instead of "Can I?"
  • Move forward and take deliberate steps

• 8. Actively Look for Opportunities and Lessons in Every Problem

  • See opportunities in the midst of problems
  • Develop a bias for action and look for lessons
  • Solve problems to improve your life and leadership### Developing Problem Solving Skills as a Leader

• Problem solving provides unique opportunities for leaders to make an impact and grow in their role.

• How you handle problems shapes your attitude and leadership, and you can change your mind-set to see problems as opportunities.

Reflecting on Your Approach to Problems

• Ask yourself: "What does the way I handle problems say about me?"
• Consider whether you see problems as opportunities to use your leadership for the betterment of your team and organization, or as inconveniences.
• Make a list of past problems that have led to lessons or opportunities, and decide to look for the potential positives in your problems from now on.

Enlisting Others as Problem Solvers

• When facing problems, use questions to learn more about your team, gather information, brainstorm ideas, and find multiple solutions.
• Ask questions like:
  • When did the problem begin?
  • Where did it begin?
  • Who was first to notice it?
  • What are several possible causes for it?
  • What is the impact of the problem?
  • Who is affected?
  • What other possible negative consequences could it have?
  • Is this problem part of a bigger problem?
  • If so, how?
  • Who has dealt with this kind of problem successfully?
  • What are several possible approaches to solving it?
  • What kind of time, expertise, and resources will be needed for these solutions?
  • Will people buy into these solutions?
  • How long will each of these solutions take to implement?
  • How might these solutions give us future advantages?
  • What lessons can be learned from all of this?

Finding Opportunities in Current Problems

• Pick one big problem you are currently working on and brainstorm as many creative opportunities as possible that could be associated with the problem and solution.
• Consider how these thoughts can shape the problem-solving process, and how you can use a problem to actually move your team or organization farther ahead.
• By doing so, you can become a change agent, one of the most difficult leadership tasks.

The Reality of Life and Leadership

• Life is inherently difficult and leaders must accept this reality to be effective.
• The more a leader understands and accepts the difficulties of life, the more they can transcend them and lead effectively.

The Challenges of Leadership

• Leaders have a higher level of difficulty in their lives due to their responsibility to think about the problems of others, not just their own.
• A leader's life is not their own, as they must consider the problems and needs of their team.

The Importance of Pragmatism

• Pragmatism allows a leader to see problems as opportunities, rather than obstacles.
• A pragmatic leader is able to take action and find solutions, rather than getting bogged down in the problem itself.

Lessons Learned from Problem-Solving

• The author learned six key lessons from their early experiences with problem-solving:
  • Proximity to the problem is important for effective decision-making.
  • A leader's plate is always full of problems, and they must be prepared to handle them.
  • Pragmatism serves leaders well in solving problems.
  • Believing there is always an answer is an asset for a leader.
  • A leader's actions can either increase or decrease the number and size of problems.
  • Handling problems well can make a leader better.

The Problem Promise

• The author calls the idea that handling problems well can make a leader better the "problem promise."
• This promise is based on the idea that facing and overcoming problems can lead to personal growth and development.

Problems Introduce Us to Ourselves

• The author shares six key lessons they learned about themselves through their experiences with problem-solving:
  • Decisions are often impacted by proximity to the problem.
  • A leader's plate is always full of problems.
  • Pragmatism serves leaders well in solving problems.
  • Believing there is always an answer is an asset for a leader.
  • A leader's actions can either increase or decrease the number and size of problems.
  • Handling problems well can make a leader better.

Problems Introduce Us to Others

• The author notes that people's responses to problems reveal a lot about their character.
• A leader must be able to evaluate the people around them based on how they react to problems.

Types of People

• The author identifies three types of people:
  • Those who make problems worse.
  • Those who become problem magnets.
  • Those who use problems as stepping-stones for success.

Leading Others

• As a leader, it is important to help others respond to problems correctly.

• The author suggests that leaders must observe people up close as they encounter problems, and spend time helping them learn to deal with problems positively.

• Leaders should not solve problems for others, but rather help them learn to solve problems on their own.### Problem Solving in Leadership

• Albert Einstein said, "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

• Leadership author Glenn Llopis quoted Karl Popper, "All life is problem solving."

• The best leaders are the best problem solvers, having the patience to step back and see the problem through broadened observation.

Eight Steps to Look at Problems Through the Lens of Opportunity

• 1. Recognize a potential problem before it becomes a real problem: Great leaders anticipate problems so they can position themselves and their team for success.

• 2. Get a clear picture of the problem: Identify what constitutes a problem and define reality.

• 3. Ask questions to help you solve problems:

  • The Information Question: "Who knows the most about this problem?"
  • The Experience Question: "Who knows what I need to know?"
  • The Challenge Question: "Who wants to tackle this problem?"
  • The Magnitude Question: "Who needs to buy in, and how long will that take?"
  • The Trust Question: "Have we earned enough trust to make needed changes?"
  • The Personal Question: "What questions do I need to ask myself?"

• 4. Create a framework to examine problems and solutions: Use a framework to judge information, such as:

  • Leadership: How does this problem affect our people?
  • Personnel: Do we have the right people to help us with this problem?
  • Timing: Is this the right time for a solution, and do we have enough time for it?
  • Vision: How does this problem affect where we're trying to go?
  • Priorities: Are my problems taking me or the team away from our priorities?
  • Values: Are my values or my team's being compromised by this problem?

• 5. Value shared problem solving:

  • Enlist the aid of other thinkers to help you.
  • Use the Socratic method of asking questions to gain from other people's thinking.
  • Remove silos and create a speak-up environment.

• 6. Always come up with more than one solution:

  • Pursue multiple solutions and let the best one champion itself.
  • List as many solutions to a problem as possible.

• 7. Cultivate a bias for action:

  • Develop a bias for action and don't think, "Can I?" Instead, think, "How can I?"
  • Start moving forward and don't wait for the perfect solution.

• 8. Actively look for opportunities and lessons in every problem:

  • See opportunities in the midst of a problem.
  • Develop a bias for action and look for ways to improve your life and leadership.### Developing the Problem Solver Within You

• Problem solving is a key aspect of leadership that offers unique opportunities to make an impact.

• To grow as a problem solver, consider three questions: what does your problem handling say about you, how can you enlist others as problem solvers, and what future opportunities are presenting themselves in current problems.

Evaluating Your Problem Handling

• Your attitude towards problems shapes your leadership and can be changed by recognizing the positives in problems.
• Reflect on past problems that led to lessons or opportunities to adjust your mindset.
• Make a conscious decision to look for the potential positives in problems from now on.

Enlisting Others as Problem Solvers

• Involve your team in problem solving by asking questions to gather information, brainstorm ideas, and find multiple solutions.
• Questions to ask:
  • When did the problem begin?
  • Where did it begin?
  • Who was first to notice it?
  • What are several possible causes for it?
  • What is the impact of the problem?
  • Who is affected?
  • What other possible negative consequences could it have?
  • Is this problem part of a bigger problem?
  • If so, how?
  • Who has dealt with this kind of problem successfully?
  • What are several possible approaches to solving it?
  • What kind of time, expertise, and resources will be needed for these solutions?
  • Will people buy into these solutions?
  • How long will each of these solutions take to implement?
  • How might these solutions give us future advantages?
  • What lessons can be learned from all of this?

Finding Future Opportunities in Current Problems

• Select a current problem and brainstorm creative opportunities associated with it and its solution.
• Consider how solving the problem can move your team or organization forward, making you a change agent.
• Look for opportunities that can be leveraged to create positive change.

Discover how to develop leadership skills by adopting a problem-solving mindset. Learn how to overcome the desire for an easy life and accept that life is difficult.