What part of the problem do you play?

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Anne Massey , a highly accomplished professional, Executive Coach, Chair at The CEO Institute , and all-around fantastic human.

During our conversation, I was surprised to learn that within Australia, up to one-third of newly promoted CEOs experience failure in the first 18 months of taking on that role.

As an Executive Coach and an expert in transition coaching, Anne shared a profound question she asks her clients:

“What part of the problem do you play?” This question struck me deeply.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I recalled my time in the Army Reserve, where teamwork was paramount. Problems were often simulated for training purposes, and we had to rely on each other to solve them. Whether we succeeded or not, the task was always tackled as a unit.

In contrast, when I transitioned to the corporate world, I noticed a significant difference. The same level of dependence on teammates wasn’t as prevalent. While collaboration exists, it often falls short compared to the intense, collective effort I experienced in the military.

This difference is striking: in the corporate environment, there’s a tendency for people to distance themselves from problems. When negative outcomes occur, the instinct is often to find someone or something to blame. This tendency for self-preservation can lead to a culture where personal responsibility is diluted, which is something we have all seen.

Anne Massey’s perspective challenges this norm. She believes that everyone has a part to play in the problem, whether directly or indirectly. By asking this question, individuals are encouraged to reflect on their own behaviour and contributions. This introspective approach can serve as a foundation for building a more cohesive and effective team environment.

For example, at one of my previous companies, a process failed due to miscommunication between multiple different people. Initially, the blame was cast around, but had we applied the question “What part of the problem do you play?” team members likely would have begun to acknowledge their roles in the breakdowns. This shift in perspective would have led to more open discussions and actionable solutions for our client.

I encourage you to take this approach into your own business or team. Next time you face a problem, consider Anne’s question. Reflect on your role and encourage your team to do the same. You might be surprised at how this simple shift in thinking can transform problem-solving and strengthen team cohesion.

By adopting this mindset, you’re not just addressing issues more effectively but also fostering a culture of accountability and shared success. It’s a culture where burdens and triumphs are shared, and solutions are found more collaboratively.

Challenge yourself and your team: How can you play a role in resolving the next issue you encounter?

More about Anne here: linkedin.com/in/anne-massey-chair-ned-coach-strategist-speaker

Learn about The CEO Institute here: https://www.ceoinstitute.com/

If you would like to know more about Oceans, head to our website here: https://www.oceansgroup.com.au/