Marcia's Leadership Q and As: Problem Solving is a Fad!

Q. The same problems keep occurring, for years! How do we solve problems better?

A. Many organizations are founded on problem-solving. Their premise is, what’s the problem we’re trying to solve? A company is founded. But the success is temporary, and it’s often not sustainable.

The same is true when your organization has a problem, and you brainstorm how to solve it, and put a solution in place. A month or a year later it resurfaces! Why?

Independent problem solving has become a fad. What is needed is accurate problem identification that links to customers. Are you identifying the right issues that make up the problem? Most often, teams that are problem solving are not asking the right questions, not looking at the root causes, and aren’t linking all the pieces together that create the challenge they’re facing.

Employee engagement and employee retention are common problems that many organizations face as reoccurring problems. Leaders need to look at the system, the culture, communication, and all of the processes that making up the recruiting, hiring, training, onboarding, etc. system.

Reacting to problems with quick fixes and band aids never make a problem go away for any sustainable future. Temporary fixes frustrate employees and customers and erode your workplace.

Identify the problems –and the root causes accurately. Ask questions. Learn about the issues that impact the customers. Look at the parts that create the problems and work on solving the challenges, together!