Problems Without Solutions
Don’t point out a problem without offering a solution!
This is similar to the idea we discussed last week about presenting a pipe dream without a plan.
As a leader, you are a problem solver. You don’t have the luxury of bringing problems without plans. It’s an elementary attitude to cry wolf without a plan of attack.
Leaders must identify problems, but when you constantly point out problems without providing solutions you are simply a critic, a complainer, a whiner.
Your solution doesn’t have to be THE solution, but when you bring a suggestion for remedying a problem you are showing your commitment to solving it. You’re not passing the buck. You’re partnering to figure out how to help overcome it.
When you bring a possible solution, you bring hope of overcoming it.
What problem in your organization needs a suggested solution today?
I agree Jenni, especially with the emphasis in the sentence “Leaders must identify problems, but when you constantly point out
problems without providing solutions you are simply a critic, a
complainer, a whiner.” I will say, however, that there will be times when the leader simply knows there is a problem, but has no clue how to fix it. If the leader has shaped a team of other leaders, that’s when teamwork kicks in….”Here’s a problem. Do you agree with it? Help me fix it. Let’s throw ideas on the table. Brainstorm.” Sometimes, in a healthy environment, exposing a problem welcomes the help to solve it.
Love how you lead and share it with us.
Words to live by! There are lots of “critics” … not many good “leaders.”
No way. I was on a similar wave length today! http://www.kentrichardson.net/2013/the-problem-with-being-a-problem-solver/