Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 20 seconds.
TODAY’S IDEA: 5 Problem-Solving Qualities Every Leader Must Have
— From The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow by John C. Maxwell
Whenever we read about leaders’ lives and accomplishments—whether contemporary or throughout history—one underlying common stands out: their problem-solving ability.
“No matter what field a leader is in, he will face problems,” says John C. Maxwell, author of The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. “[Problems] are inevitable for three reasons. First, we live in a world of growing complexity and diversity. Second, we interact with people. And third, we cannot control all the situations we face.”
Thus, as a leader, Maxwell suggests cultivating these five problem-solving qualities, because “you can’t let your problems be a problem.”
1. Leaders anticipate problems. “Since problems are inevitable, good leaders anticipate them. Anyone who expects the road to be easy will continually find himself in trouble… If you keep your attitude positive but plan for the worst, you’ll find yourself in a good position to solve problems that come your way.”
2. Leaders accept the truth. “People respond to problems in these ways: they refuse to accept them; they accept them and then put up with them; or they accept them and try to make things better. Leaders must always do the latter. […] No leader can simultaneously have his head in the sand and navigate [his/her] people through troubled waters. Effective leaders face up to the reality of a situation.”
3. Leaders see the big picture. “Leaders must continually see the big picture. They cannot afford to be overwhelmed by emotion. Nor can they allow themselves to get so bogged down in the details that they lose sight of what’s important.”
4. Leaders handle one thing at a time. The author shares this great quote from Richard Sloma, management guru: Never try to solve all the problems at once—make them line up for you one-by-one. Then Maxwell goes on to say, “The leaders who get in trouble most often are the ones who are overwhelmed by the sheer size or volume of their troubles and then dabble at problem-solving. If you’re faced with lots of problems, make sure you really solve the one you’re working on before moving on to the next one.”
5. Leaders don’t give up a major goal when they’re down. “Effective leaders understand the peak-to-peak principle. They make major decisions when they are experiencing a positive swing in their leadership, not during dark times.”
After reading all this, you’re probably wondering how you can improve on your problem-solving skills. Well, I have good news and not-so-good news…
First, the not so good news: “The ability to solve problems effectively comes from experience facing and overcoming obstacles,” says Maxwell. There’s no way around it. Experience is the best teacher indeed: “if you never try, fail, and try again, you’ll never get good at it.”
Now, for the good news: “Each time you solve another problem, you get a little better at the process.” And this is something that builds on itself, giving you more experience and tools every time.
And here’s the happy ending: you can (and definitely should) always write a great last chapter. It’s the best way to come out better, stronger, and with the gift of having learned something, than prior to the problem.
ACTION
TODAY: To flex your problem-solving muscles, Maxwell suggests going out looking for trouble. “Find situations that need fixing, come up with several viable solutions, and then take them to a leader with good problem-solving experience. You’ll learn from [his/her] decisions how he thinks when handling difficulties.”
FUTURE: When faced with problems in the future, Maxwell offers the following TEACH approach to problem-solving:
T ime: Spend time to discover the real issue.
E xposure: Find out what others have done.
A ssistance: Have your team [or get a group together to] study all angles.
C reativity: Brainstorm multiple solutions.
H it it: Implement the best solution.
Know someone who is a whiz at problem-solving? Or someone who is going through hell and could use some help? Please share this post: Email, Facebook or Twitter.