Cut Problem Solving Time - Ask for Ideas, Options, and Solutions

Cut problem-solving time with employees - teach employees to BA, Bring Answers, not excuses or Bad Attitudes.

Liz, a manager I worked for, had a graphic like shown below sitting on her desk. It forced me to be well prepared for my meetings with her. Her impactful approach to management emphasized solution-oriented thinking and responses over bringing problems and excuses to her.

By following Liz’s example and installing a culture where employees are encouraged to present solutions alongside their challenges, i.e. problems, organizations can significantly reduce the time spent spinning their wheels and the whining that often accompanies the problem-solving process. This approach often cuts the problem-solving time by 50% and stems from the management principle, “Bring Answers, Not Excuses or Bad Attitudes.”

This management mantra was reinforced at a conference I attended where the speaker was Douglas Ivester, former CEO of Coca-Cola. He taught this powerful lesson to the group of assembled executives when he said, “My motto is ‘Bring me solutions, not excuses.’”

Mr. Ivester, a formidable opponent who admittedly loves hand-to-hand combat, told the story of challenging the engineers at Coca-Cola to produce the first bottle that had curves melted into the shape. He recounted how the very appealing, snazzy new bottle would not flow down the production line in the Birmingham plant.

Ivester related the conversation he had with the Vice President who was over the production in Birmingham, Alabama. This VP called Mr. Ivester with a familiar line, “We have a problem.”

“Where are you?” Doug barked.

“Why I’m right here in my office next to yours, here in Atlanta.”

“I can’t believe you would call me from your office. I would expect you to call me from the Georgia-Alabama line.” Ivester slammed the phone down.

One hour later he got a call from the same person who said, “I’m at the Georgia-Alabama line. Can we talk?” and Doug replied, “I have all afternoon to talk about the solution with you.”

How can we apply this management lesson to our personal leadership in our companies??

Require your employees to bring ideas and suggestions at the same moment they bring a problem to you. The statement may sound like “We have a problem with _________ and I recommend we do _______. My reasoning is _________________.”

Using this formula, you and your employee skip the time talking?ABOUT?the problem. You identify the problem and then spend as much time as it takes to find a?solution.

“Problems are of no consequence when excuses are replaced with solutions that are tenaciously pursued.”

The BA Mantra and Its Implementation

The 'Bring Answers' (BA) mantra is a concise yet powerful reminder to everyone in the organization that they are expected to be part of the solution. Leaders can reinforce this mantra by stating this at the beginning of meetings or adding it to their in-house email signature. The visual and vocal reminders signal to employees that solutions are always preferred over excuses. This not only serves as a constant reinforcement of the company’s values but also empowers employees, reminding them that their intellectual contributions are valued and crucial for the company's success.

Tactical Tips for Leaders

When a problem is discovered, it is human nature to dwell on the problem and try to find a friend or coworker to validate the problem and commiserate on the lack of solutions. Don’t let your team fall into this trap. Turn this tendency around with this mantra:?Bring Answers.

To implement the Bring Answers formula, ?

1.???? Encourage Critical Thinking. Leaders should foster an environment where employees are encouraged to critically analyze problems to understand their root causes.

2.???? Shift Mental Mindsets.?After analysis, make a conscious effort to move the focus, shift the mindset towards finding solutions. This mindset change is crucial for finding answers to problems.

3.???? Solicit Insight.?Team members and colleagues can give insight if you ask. This not only helps in finding solutions quickly, but also empowers employees, enhancing their engagement and loyalty. Most people are honored when you ask their opinion.

4.???? Promote Creativity. Looking for the absolute “right” answer may not give you the best solution. Try looking for “another right answer” or demanding that at least two alternatives to be considered.??

Creating a Culture of Solutions

The final step in cultivating this culture is creating a physical or visual reminder of “Bring Answers.” Make a BA sign to set on your desk, reminding people they are part of the solution and you want them to bring ideas to any meeting, one-on-one or team meeting, that will solve the challenge.

This sign serves as a constant reminder to your team that they are expected to be part of the solution process. The visual cue reinforces the message that the organization values their intellectual contributions, not just their labor. After all, you hired them for their brains, not necessarily their brawn.?

Implementation of these practical tips helps leaders reduce unnecessary deliberation over problems and fosters a proactive, innovative, and inclusive workplace culture. It provides psychological safety and empowers each team member to actively contribute to the solutions of problems, thereby accelerating reducing time and resources typically consumed by problem-centric approaches and enabling growth and efficiency across the organization.

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About Karla

Karla Brandau is the author of How to Earn the Gift of Discretionary Effort, a 21st century leadership book. She is a thought leader on how to create a culture in your organization that enables employees to give discretionary effort on a regular basis.

She is the CEO of Brandau Power Institute, a management consulting firm with expertise in behavioral assessments including the DISC 4-quadrant personalities, ?emotional intelligence, strengthening the touch points between managers and employees, and increasing the productivity of work teams.

Her clients include corporations such as Coca-Cola Enterprises, Cox Enterprises, Arauco, and Panasonic as well government agencies including the EPA, NIH, BOP, and the FDA. ?

She is a keynote speaker and a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), an earned designation given by National Speakers Association. Other designations she has earned are Certified Facilitator and Registered Corporate Coach.

Cell: 770-329-1806 | Office: 770-923-0883 | [email protected] |www.KarlaBrandau.com