What do you do if your problem-solving skills need improvement in executive coaching?

Problem solving skill should not be looked in isolation. It involves critical thinking and decision making skills as well. You need to develop these skills in order to improve your problem solving skills. One factor which impacts problem solving among leaders is related to 'biases'. As an executive and a leader, how you address this issue? Here are some ways - 1. Seek diverse perspectives 2. Develop open communication including accepting criticism and critical feedback 3. Evaluate possible options (solutions) objectively and lastly, very important 4. Be aware of your biases (all kinds)! With your continuous learning and being self-aware of your biases, your problem solving skills will definitely improve.

Reflecting on how I’ve tackled problems before helps me spot and work on my weak spots. I dive into exercises and simulations to practice and refine new strategies. I also make it a point to keep learning through books, workshops, and real-world applications.

Another effective strategy for improving problem-solving skills is seeking out diverse perspectives and insights. Engage in discussions with colleagues, mentors, or experts in different fields to gain fresh insights and alternative approaches to problem-solving. Actively listen to their perspectives, ask probing questions, and consider how their experiences and viewpoints can inform your own problem-solving process. Embracing a diversity of thought and learning from others' experiences can broaden your problem-solving toolkit and empower you to tackle challenges more creatively and effectively.

Diagnosing strengths and weaknesses will be fundamental in building the development and growth process. The application of tools such as SWOT analysis will allow you to identify threats and opportunities based on the strengths and weaknesses detected. It is important to highlight that past achievements helped to build experiences that will be fundamental in the transition process. No one starts a career transition process from scratch, there will always be the support of some experience or basic competence already developed.

Prepare yourself for a thorough feedback session. Asking for feedback involves a lot of courage, open-mindedness, and self-control. Nonetheless, unveiling blind spots in problem-solving is a hallmark of successful leadership. First and foremost, choose who you want to involve in this process, selecting those who you trust and are competent. Then, present them with a specific problem you encountered. Frame it as a case study, outlining your steps and outcome. Then listen with curiosity and open-mindedness. Remember that they are willing to support you in this self-discovery process. Dissecting your approach collaboratively, you will gain valuable insights into areas like decision-making frameworks or creative solution exploration.

Engaging in regular problem-solving exercises and simulations can also significantly enhance your problem-solving skills. These exercises provide practical opportunities to apply different problem-solving techniques, strategies, and frameworks in a controlled environment. Consider participating in workshops, case studies, or online courses focused on problem-solving methodologies. By actively practicing problem-solving in various contexts, you'll develop greater confidence, proficiency, and adaptability in addressing complex challenges. Additionally, reflecting on your experiences during these exercises can help you identify patterns, refine your approach, and continually improve your problem-solving abilities.

Feedback is a powerful tool but it needs to be applied very carefully and with people you trust. It is a way of evaluating the existing perception of the results achieved. I suggest mixing the feedback technique with feedforward, especially since there is an interest in projecting future growth objectives.

In addition to formal learning opportunities, seek out practical experiences that allow you to apply and refine your problem-solving skills. Volunteer for challenging projects or take on leadership roles where you can practice making decisions under pressure and navigating complex situations. Embrace opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams, as this can expose you to different problem-solving approaches and foster creativity. Reflect on your experiences to identify areas for improvement and continuously seek feedback to refine your skills further.

Dr. Tara Swart, an MD/Neuroscientist at MIT, describes 6 ways of "thinking" in her Whole Brain Agility model. They include logic, emotion, creativity, intuition, body/mind connection and resilience. We all default to one primary way of thinking and will tend to over-index on that in times of stress. Try taking the problem at hand and considering it through all 6 lenses. What's the data, what emotions come up when you think about potential solutions, what energizes or de-energizes you, what's an innovative approach, try journaling unedited to see what comes up. You get the drift. Intentionally looking at the situation may produce new insights and solutions!

Personally, I've found that investing time in learning new methodologies and techniques not only expands my problem-solving capabilities but also enhances my overall understanding of complex issues. Also, learning is not enough unless you apply your learnings as well. Whether it's attending workshops, reading relevant literature, or enrolling in specialized courses, commit to continuous learning.

Learning to learn will also mean developing new mental models, concepts, methods and processes, leaving aside old paradigms that led to results up to a certain point. Remember: if you do what you've always done and insist on repeating models, you run the risk of not improving your results!

Like any skill, problem-solving improves with practice. Actively seek out opportunities to apply problem-solving techniques in your professional and personal life. Whether it's tackling challenges within your organization or addressing issues in your community, regular practice hones your ability to identify, analyze, and resolve problems effectively. Personally, I've made it a habit to engage in regular practice sessions. This hands-on approach has significantly sharpened my problem-solving acumen over time and shapes up aspects of Emotional Intelligence as well and listening skills.

Every transition process will need to be carefully constructed step by step. By dividing the objectives, it will be possible to create intermediate milestones that reinforce confidence and motivation in overcoming each new objective.

Reflection and evaluation of the results achieved will allow us to understand the balance points of the processes involved, identifying the most precise relationship between effectiveness and efficiency.

Reflect on your problem-solving experiences to identify what worked well and what could be improved. Take the time to analyze the outcomes of your problem-solving efforts and extract valuable lessons from both successes and failures. Use this feedback loop to adapt your approach, refine your strategies, and continually enhance your problem-solving skills. Personally, I make it a point to journal about my problem-solving experiences regularly. This practice allows me to gain insights into my thought processes, identify patterns, and make necessary adjustments for future challenges.

After each coaching session, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Seek feedback from peers or mentors about your problem-solving approach and be open to their insights.

Improving problem-solving skills is crucial in executive coaching. If you face challenges in this area, don't hesitate to seek help. You can reach out to a mentor or a colleague whose problem-solving skills you admire. Observing their approach to complex situations can provide helpful insights and strategies for your own style. Keeping an open mind is essential. Accept feedback and criticism, as they can be excellent tools for growth. Use them as opportunities to improve your problem-solving skills. Additionally, attending training sessions or workshops can equip you with new strategies and techniques to manage challenges. Remember, even coaches sometimes need coaching!