8 Tips for Tackling Problems and Creating Solutions

Make The Decision: Perhaps most importantly, you must have a bias toward action, and be willing to make the decision. Moreover, you must learn to make the best decision possible even if you possess an incomplete data set.  Mike Myatt, Forbes.com contributor

Here are the 8 Tips:

1. Look at all aspects of the issue.  What happens if I don't do this?  What happens if I do? How will I benefit?  What might I lose?  And so on. 

2. Benefit: It needs to resolve an issue or at least put you in a better place - emotionally, physically, financially or all three.

3. Value-Added: How will the solution align with my existing goals?  Will it get me to my desired outcome?  Really?

4. Beyond the norm: Think outside what is usual and customary.  Sometimes taking a risk is the best action.

5.  Simple: Keep it pertinent and simple so it can be accomplished without creating extra stress.

6.  Balanced:  Evaluate the solution in terms of risk-reward, cost and benefit.

7.  “Gut” Feeling: Does it feel right?  If your "gut" is telling you something just does not feel right with your decision, take a few hours or even a day or two to re-think it. BUT, don’t get stuck in paralysis by analysis. Take action!

8.  The future: Solutions must be seen in the present and with an eye toward the future.  How will new opportunities fit into it?  Will this work for as I move forward?

We're not likely to always make the perfect decision as we all make mistakes, and additional  information may come to light, but we can commit to conducting due diligence so we can make the best decision at that time.

In Mark Twain's words: 

"Good judgment comes from experience. 

And where does experience come from?

Experience comes from bad judgment."

Ann Meacham, president of Leadership Dynamics, works with business owners and executives to  create and implement the exact strategies they need to build the business of their dreams.   Find out more about Ann at www.leadyourteams.com  Sign up for a Free Leadership Strategy Session on my website.

Are You Asking the Right Quesitons?

by Ann Meacham

When you are challenged to relate positively with someone at work or at home, there is resistance, or actual conflict, have you asked yourself how you might improve the situation?  Often solutions elude us because we are asking ourselves the wrong questions.

In her book, “change your questions, change your life,” Marilee Adams shared what she calls “Judger” questions.  These questions cause us to come across as argumentative, arrogant and know-it-all.  When you judge, you make it almost impossible for anyone else to make a suggestion or contribution.

Judger Questions:

What’s wrong? Who’s to blame? How can I prove I’m right? Why can’t I be successful?

How could I lose? How can I be in control? Why are they so clueless and frustrating? Why bother?

Notice how you feel when you are having these thoughts (and we all do at times.)  If we’re in the Judger Pit we can feel stuck, overwhelmed, negative, depressed. 

A more productive way of thinking can be inspiring, stimulate curiosity, and create the relationships that will help us succeed.  Consider these:

Learner Questions:

What am I responsible for? What are the facts? What outcome do I want? What are my choices?

What’s useful about this? What can I learn? What is the other person feeling, needing, and wanting? What’s possible?

The natural or normal working of our mind leaves us at the mercy of other people’s opinions, the whims of our own moods, and the negative influences of our upbringing.  When you pause to ask yourself questions, it gives you time to think about the best response or action.

If you want to be successful in your relationships, you must face facts about your role or influence. 

The most effective communication is about 20% telling and 80% asking.  You’d be amazed how many things would improve just by paying attention to that one principle.

The Judger tends to create Win-Lose scenarios.  The Learner creates a Win-Win.  Are you a Judger or a Learner?  How can you tell?

Ann Meacham, president of Leadership Dynamics works with business owners and executives to clear their blind spots so they will know how to succeed in their business. Call her: 860-788-3504  ann@leadyourteams.com  Sign up for a Free Leadership Strategy Session.