Here's how you can enhance your problem solving skills through Servant Leadership training programs.

I think one of the most difficult aspects of empathy is recognizing it doesn't equate agreement or acceptance. But leaving yourself open to others' experiences and perspectives can be a huge learning opportunity for leaders, while establishing yourself as a safe space for employees and team members, especially if they feel marginalized.

When I started practicing empathy as a leader, I noticed a significant shift in how my team responded to challenges. By actively listening and genuinely understanding their concerns, I was able to identify the real issues behind their struggles. This not only led to more effective solutions but also built a stronger sense of trust and collaboration within the team. Everyone felt heard and valued, knowing I was there for them, which made problem solving a shared and more rewarding effort.

I found, in my early upper-level leadership years, that in conflict resolution there really are at least two sides to each story. Early on I accepted the first version of an event, often from a subordinate supervisor, as "the truth." Yet after hearing the other side of a story, I was chagrined to realize I jumped too quickly to a conclusion based on the first side of the story I heard. I learned to be empathic when first hearing of a conflict situation, but not to accept what I was hearing as the whole story. Empathy first, with each person you are hearing from, but not agreeing with what you heard as the truth, is critical.

One thing I've found helpful in growing my skills as an active listener and getting to the root causes of issues is practicing the right responses that take you beyond mere "parroting" what someone is saying to determine understanding. Simple phrases such as, "Tell me more about that experience" can help reveal nuances that are lost in the person's original telling of a situation.

I have to actively concentrate on active listening. I have often allowed my mind to jump ahead to what I want to say, and that few seconds of composing my response caused me to lose valuable information coming from who was talking to me. It takes mind exercise to actively listen. I'm finding it's a lost art - for example, if I text or email someone with two statements and a question, I find half the time the question is not answered. The reader is not "actively reading" what I said. So active listening goes beyond the hearing realm and into the reading environment as well. Don't let my mind wander, exercise my brain by listening to each word, and read every part of a written message and be sure I'm getting all of it in my consciousness.

Leading by example is at the heart of genuine Servant Leadership, especially in problem-solving. I remember times when I wasn't calm during challenges, and it created stress and confusion within my team. Now, by staying composed and methodical, I see a significant difference. My team mirrors my positive attitude, and together, we tackle problems with resilience and determination. This experience has taught me the true power of maintaining a calm and positive, setting a standard my team can follow.

Wrap Up: To complement your problem-solving skills with servant leadership programs, you should first focus on active listening. This enables a deeper understanding of your team's challenges and needs. By building a culture of trust and openness, you foster a safe space for creative ideas and innovative solutions. Support the individual and collective development of your employees by providing them with resources and coaching. Encourage collaboration and team building to leverage synergies and integrate diverse perspectives. Finally, strengthen your team's ownership and commitment through role modeling and inclusive decision-making processes, leading to more effective and sustainable problem solving

Challenge gently…?? If feasible, present as a question. Encourage examination and then leave it. One can always gently follow-up.