We Created Problems

Flashback with me to earlier this month in Michigan.

My team and I went out of our way to create problems.

In fact, my partners and I created a?—?not behind a?closed door?—?but?a public forum for 140+?leaders to come together to scoff and serve up their companies largest problems that they fully acknowledged they were creating, each?getting in the way of manifesting meaningful solutions.?

Have you ever encountered a problem on the way to the problem you really wanted to solve? Have you ever been worried to allow your team to vent about all the problems that keep them up at night?

Welcome to the club.?

We’ve all been there.?

I commend our brave partner, CHRO?Nicole Zube, for allowing her team to go there. She agreed that when you have a core behavior of?We Create Solutions,?you have to first have the courage to unearth those hard conversations that have yet to be addressed.?

So we kicked off our 72 hours with?SpartanNash?by putting up over 470+ post-it notes on the walls that each listed out a big, medium or bite-sized problem the team or organization needed to cope with.?Each team then “podiumized” what they felt was their gold, silver and bronze medal hero problem that needs to be conquered in the very near future.?

Then, each team presented back their?podium problems to the rest of the team.

The very next day, the team transformed themselves from fear fighters into problem slayers. Were we going to solve all the problems in the room? Of course not. Were we nudging the teams on a path to have?a better understanding of what they needed to attack to win together? Absolutely.?

Now you get to be a fear fighter...

Got time? Grab your post-it notes, a few good teammates and find a wall.

Short on time? Jot down then prioritize the three largest problems you need to address.?

What landed on your podium??

Have you made those problems public?

Are you setting up forums to have not just next steps —?but now steps -- conversations??

When you do —?once you get through the hard —?you might find your team more?aligned, inspired and together.

THE COURAGEOUS PODCAST

“If I’m not scared, I don’t know that I want to be doing it." Amanda Dunks loves living outside her comfort zone.?As Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy and Creative Development at Caesars Entertainment, she's been making waves in the gaming world for over 12 years. In her conversation with Ryan, Amanda shares her insights from navigating mergers, emphasizing the value of learning through trial by fire and the abandonment of the pursuit of perfection. She discusses her approach to hiring, prioritizing potential over credentials, and the delicate balance between corporate structures and creativity. Amanda also explores the intersection of brand strategy and creative development, highlighting the importance of visionary leadership and practical implementation. Don't miss Amanda's advice on embracing?fear as a sign of growth and her encouragement for authenticity in business, reminding listeners to pursue what they love.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Missed the last 5 Podcasts?

? Professional Soccer w/ Janelly Farias

? PrismWork w/ Corey Jones

? Fanatics Live w/ Nick Bell

? CUENTO Marketing w/ Wayne Partello

? The San Diego Union-Tribune w/ Kevin Acee

Thanks for stopping by for your Weekly Dose of Courage! Don’t forget to hit subscribe above or below to be notified when the next issue comes out.

Ryan Berman is the founder of Courageous; a think-feel-do change consultancy based in Southern California. With 25 years in creative business, Ryan believes your “future is safe with change”. Ryan is a speaker, practitioner, and authority on the subject who has been featured in Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Inc, and Forbes. Ryan has spoken on the topic all over the country including at Google, Procter & Gamble, Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz, Logitech, Discover Card, and charity: water. Ryan also hosts The Courageous Podcast where he talks with leaders from around the globe to uncover what it means to be courageous in today's world. His book, Return On Courage, shares why companies need to unlock courage while providing practical tips on how organizations can operationalize courage today.?Learn more at couragebrands.com