CRM - Empowering Leaders

Few things disempower leaders and teams like the inability to solve weighty problems. On the other hand, teams that succeed in solving problems grow in their confidence to accept greater responsibility and risk.

Problem Solving Steps...

1. Define the Issues. 

1. What is the problem on the surface?
2. Who is involved and what are the factors that contribute to this situation?
3. The surface problem is rarely the real problem, so ask the following questions: Why? Why is that? How come? What's behind it? Why now?
4. Defining what the problem really is, is 80% of solving the problem, so do not rush past this.

 
2. Desired Outcome.
Ask the group to define what things will look like when the problem is solved. Sometimes people are so close to a problem that all they know is they want it to go away. Clarifying the positive situation desired in place of the problem, provides important perspectives on the problem itself, as well as potential solutions.

3. Explore the Options. 

1. What possible solutions have already been identified?
2. What solutions are possible when you look at who and what contributed to the problem, and what their goals were in the first place?
3. Are there ways to combine some of these options?
4. One helpful discipline: force yourselves to identify at least seven real-life options before choosing any particular plan of action.

4. Consider Relationships. 
Problems affect people - even fairly benign problems. So do the solutions. Before deciding on a solution, stop for a moment and consider the people and relationships involved. Ask...

1. Who has been impacted by this problem and what feelings do they have about it?
2. What is at stake for us in this situation and how do we feel about that?
3. Instead of blaming others, what part of this situation have we contributed  to? And, from whom do we need to ask for forgiveness?

5. Plan the Solution. 

1. Choose the best option and identify concrete steps that can be taken.
2. Be flexible.