The best leaders frame problems differently

Problems come at us continuously. Because you are smart and capable you may be tempted to solve every problem that comes your way. Resist.

The most successful leaders discern which problems require their attention and those their people should handle. When faced with a new issue and you are tempted to to solve it yourself don’t do it before spending a few minutes to thinkining about why it deserves your attention.

The exmplary leader uses their best energy to solve the right problem.

Effective leaders use their foresight, discernment and wisdom to know which problems are theirs to solve. Here are 5 principles you can use to ensure you are spending your energy on the most important.

1) Resist creating problems

Consider this problem may be too small to warrant our attention at all. Many fade away without us even knowing. A helpful rule I employ in my thinking and in life is “don’t make a problem where there isn’t one'“.

There are real problems though. If it is one to be solved how we engage them matters. Some obstacles actually help us and our teams become more creative. They can be instrumental in driving organizational change when the time is right.

They can also become part of our bigger story. Stories we tell over and over require an adversary or large obstacle to overcome. Could we reframe the problem and weave it into our bigger story? Make it part of how we succeed?

2) Seek out trusted perspectives

We believe that we have a problem to solve, but the strange sound we are hearing in the "machine" might not be coming from where we think. Find a trusted colleague with experience to give a second opinion. They may confirm your findings, offer new ideas to consider, or show that our initial findings point to a different problem.

3) Spend energy wisely

Succeeding requires we remain focused. Solving problems consume our time and energy. It is emotional labor and we have a limited supply each day. Yes. We could solve it, but is it worth the effort? How does it fit into your priorities? If you choose to solve it, could it take you off your primary focus?

4) Check the clock

Timing in problem solving is critical. If we solve the problem at the wrong time we may get unexpected results, burn unneeded capital, and perhaps have to solve a similar problem later.

5) Let go of ego

If the problem requires your unique skills then you may be the one. If not, it may be an opportunity for a team member to take it on and you can provide guidance. The most effective leaders spend their time working on only what they can do. We must let go of the egos that tell us we are the only ones who can.

Successful leaders know when they should get involved directly.

Conclusion

Solving certain problems often change the power structures in organizations. When that occurs, we may encounter unexpected adversaries to our course of action. Leaders others want to follow do the right thing anyway. Using wisdom to guide us, we pay close attention to solve only real problems made for us and at the right time.

Read WHEN
Daniel Pink wrote an insightful book helping us recognize our emotional pattern. When we are aware of ours we can become more productive. Check out When and see if it can help you as it has helped me.