Problem-Solvers are More Valuable than Employees
Approach Problems - When current philosophical or organizational solutions are failing, I call this an Approach Problem. The approach needs to change to get improved outcomes. e.g., lack of vertical focus, platform thinking, product focus, communication, or distribution.
Approach problems are different from resource problems. Resource problems create friction (budgets, oh my) and will not serve your goal of making fast progress. Instead, focus on approach problems to have the best chance of being positioned as a problem-solver.
My Experiences
Companies are full of approach problems you can address. Find one, put your mind on the approach problem, and create an achievable plan. Early in my career, I did this three separate times in software companies. Each time, my suggestions resulted in a job promotion within ninety days and improved the companies. The leaders that promoted me had PhDs and MBAs from the world’s most treasured universities. They were wicked smart and were action-biased. I am aware that your company may wait until the annual review to promote. You should still use this plan to strengthen your annual review.
The 7 steps
- Find a weak business approach that is causing problems
- Find external validation to an idea you are forming (including case studies)
- Ask around internally to see how the problem is being experienced. Your colleagues will likely provide input you can leverage
- Break down the root problem, its causes, and the symptoms
- Consider internal organizational and resource concerns
- Present your key message first and a simple breakdown of the new approach to a C-level executive in written and/or presentation form
- Do the 1-on-1 presentation in less than an hour (keep it raw, bring logic + passion)
- Bonus step: if the executive wants to go deeper into the new approach, start thinking about colleagues who will make your idea stronger. Collaborate. If your executive wants to evangelize your idea with you, let her! Make it about the idea, not you
Here is how you just changed your positioning:
- The executive now knows they do not have to carry the entire problem-solving load
- Recognition that you are an "in the game" problem-solver
- You learned a skill you can use for the rest of your career
- A thoughtful presentation will likely get you invited to other strategic discussions
Your goal is to try this once in the 1st half of 2021. The worst case is you will find out your executive does not welcome ideas. That's good to know when you weigh career options. The executive could listen and decide not to use your approach right away, and that's reasonable. The executive heard you, and you may get a call one day, "can you tackle this for me?". That's a positioning win for you!
If you do get the greenlight, pour your work life into that idea. You no longer have a job; you are on a mission.