As leaders, the pressure to swiftly move into the realm of solutions can be overwhelming. Others look to us for clarity, and we feel compelled to deliver. Yet, by avoiding the discomfort of examining problems in detail, we turn our backs on the very solutions that can bring about meaningful and enduring transformation.
When supporting leaders grappling with workplace culture or capability challenges, I have found the following steps to be essential:
- Begin by gathering relevant data and facts. These are crucial to ensure that our assumptions don't drive problem identification or solution design. I make sure to establish a diverse team within the organisation to work on the problem made up of individuals with varied perspectives and experiences, which helps us to maintain an unbiased approach. It is then through team discussions and meticulous analysis of the data we gather that valuable insights emerge, uncovering the root cause of the problem, as well as its breadth and depth.
- Understand why the problem is worth solving by considering what benefits a solution would provide and how these align with the organisation's strategic priorities. We spend time evaluating the potential impact if the problem remains unresolved and identify the stakeholders who stand to benefit. Spending some time assessing the return on investment (ROI) of these benefits keeps us focused on our purpose and desired outcomes throughout the solution development process.
- Identify the capabilities required to design and embed an effective solution which helps us to avoid delays and wasted resources. I focus on defining the following elements:
- individual skills, knowledge, and experience
- ways of working and behaviours that support inclusion and informed decision-making
- new or existing systems, policies, and processes that are needed to support solution delivery.
Your ability to develop impactful solutions begins by delving deep into the problem itself. Make sure you dedicate ample time to problem analysis, define your "why," and identify the necessary capabilities. In doing so, you unlock the full potential of your solution development efforts and pave the way for meaningful change.
Employee Reward Expert
1 年"Begin by gathering relevant data and facts." - this is so so crucial and it seems often skipped, with leaders just assuming they know the problem already.