When it comes to problem solving, as the leader of your organization are you a cheerleader or a saboteur? Do you sit on the sidelines while others work to find practical and realistic solutions, supporting them and encouraging them in their work? Or are you sabotaging their efforts by second guessing their decisions and trying to force your choices on them? When someone brings a creative solution to a problem do you give them lip service and then undermine any effort to achieve a consensus?
Does this really matter? Yes, it does, if you’re serious about resolving problems within your organization. Being a cheerleader reflects your confidence not only in your skills to lead but in the skills and talents of the people working for you. Think back to a time when someone supported you and how motivated you were to achieve the goal or complete the task. That same approach will motivate your employees to work as hard as they can to complete the tasks and achieve the goals.
What do you think happens when your employees figure out that you’re a saboteur? How motivated do you think they will be to work as hard as they can to make the organization a smooth running operation, profitable and successful? As the saboteur, how much support will you get for the solutions you support?
Put in these terms, which role have you played? Honest answers may just help you begin the process of engaging in problem solving that is finally effective. Bringing a professional problem solver into the mix can help you be even more effective.