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Solve Big Problems – IDS

When you’re ready to solve big problems, use this process to thrash them and solve them. You should come out of this with a solution to any problem you clearly identify.

IDENTIFY

  • The problem brought up is rarely the real issue
  • You have to dig to discover the real issue
  • Don’t move on until the you clearly identify the real issue
  • Once the real issue is identified, only then do you move to the discussion section.

DISCUSS

  • No Tangents. This will take major practice. Give everyone latitude to simply say “tangent” to bring everyone back on track.
  • The environment needs to be open and honest. Everyone must be free to share their thoughts, ideas, concerns and solutions without personal attacks. Understand the difference between a critical eye and a critical heart. It’s good to thrash the ideas and get to the best solutions.
  • Discuss and debate until everything is out on the table. Get everything out on the table. It should only be said once, though. Otherwise, your politicking.
  • Parts to the problem will begin becoming redundant. It’s time to move to the solution
  • Always keep the greater good in mind. It’s not personal, it’s for the betterment of the business.

SOLVE

  • It is more important to decide rather than what you decide. You must leave with a decision. Leadership is not always about the right direction, it’s about choosing the best direction at the time.
  • Keep stating different solutions until there is agreement and heads nodding
  • Sometimes you will need to return to DISCUSS because you might not be solving the real problem
  • Agreement doesn’t mean everyone is 100% with the solution. It means everyone can live with the decision and will support it 100%
  • There need to be clear Must Do’s and someone needs to own the project. It is not a solution until someone owns the Must Do’s and there is a clear communications plan to those who are affected by it.

Note: 80% of the time everyone agrees. 20% they don’t and the CEO needs to make the final decision. Make sure everyone is heard and most will be fine with and – ultimately – support the decision