Problem solving skills
Effective problem solving
is a key leadership skill.
Problems can sometimes
be seen as opportunities,
and should always be
seen as a learning
experience.
Problem solving basically involves similar steps
to decision making;-
Evaluate the problem or situation, or the
potential problem
Break it down into key components
Collect facts, analyse potential solutions and
their likely outcomes.
Consider different ways to resolve the
problem
Decide on the most appropriate solution
The skills needed here are slightly different,
usually involving both analytical and creative
skills .Critical thinking skills help evaluate the
problem and to make decisions. Sometimes a
logical and methodical approach works best
and sometimes technical knowledge or subject
knowledge is also needed.
Practical tip – coaching problem
solving
In my experience problem solving presents one
of the greatest opportunities to train staff on
the job. Usually when an employee is not sure
how to handle a problem they bring it to their
manager. New and inexperienced employees
will just bring the problem, often in a state of
panic and with little fact checking having been
undertaken, and ask for help. Employees who
have more experience will approach the
manager, explain the problem and propose a
solution, which they are looking to the
manager to endorse.
The manager’s role here is to encourage them
to move from the first scenario to the second.
They can do this by helping the member of
staff to think through the problem, collect the
relevant information, and through careful
questioning, lead them in the right direction,
allowing them to draw their own conclusion
and propose their own solution.
It is tempting, especially if time is short, for
the manager to just deal with the problem
themselves, but this does not allow staff the
opportunity to develop their own skills.
Developing People Skills
There are a number of scenarios that leaders
and managers will regularly find themselves in.
For example having to carry our performance
appraisals, manage conflict, and conduct
meetings. There are certain tips, tools and
techniques which can be employed to enable
effective performance in these areas.
We will look at each of these in more detail.
Where relevant I have included the link to
modules already on this site, and summarised
them for you. For more detail please follow the
link to the module.
In larger companies there will be a HR
department that will deal with recruitment and
dismissal of staff, often to ensure all legal
aspects are correctly covered. Some managers
will become involved in this work, which we
have addressed in other modules on the site
Here we will consider and revisit some of the
skills that are required of most leaders and
managers. These skills can be practised and
honed to make you a better manager and
leader. As we discussed earlier in this series of
modules, becoming proficient and excelling in
these skills will help to build your chances of
success.
Leaders and managers must have skills in
leading people and working with others,
individually and in groups. This calls for a
range of skills, including
Delegation Skills
Motivating Others
Performance management and appraisals,
Giving Feedback
Using Transactional Analysis
Conducting Meetings
Persuading and influencing skills
Managing conflict
So we will have a look at each of these in the
next few modules.
Effective problem solving
is a key leadership skill.
Problems can sometimes
be seen as opportunities,
and should always be
seen as a learning
experience.
Problem solving basically involves similar steps
to decision making;-
Evaluate the problem or situation, or the
potential problem
Break it down into key components
Collect facts, analyse potential solutions and
their likely outcomes.
Consider different ways to resolve the
problem
Decide on the most appropriate solution
The skills needed here are slightly different,
usually involving both analytical and creative
skills .Critical thinking skills help evaluate the
problem and to make decisions. Sometimes a
logical and methodical approach works best
and sometimes technical knowledge or subject
knowledge is also needed.
Practical tip – coaching problem
solving
In my experience problem solving presents one
of the greatest opportunities to train staff on
the job. Usually when an employee is not sure
how to handle a problem they bring it to their
manager. New and inexperienced employees
will just bring the problem, often in a state of
panic and with little fact checking having been
undertaken, and ask for help. Employees who
have more experience will approach the
manager, explain the problem and propose a
solution, which they are looking to the
manager to endorse.
The manager’s role here is to encourage them
to move from the first scenario to the second.
They can do this by helping the member of
staff to think through the problem, collect the
relevant information, and through careful
questioning, lead them in the right direction,
allowing them to draw their own conclusion
and propose their own solution.
It is tempting, especially if time is short, for
the manager to just deal with the problem
themselves, but this does not allow staff the
opportunity to develop their own skills.
Developing People Skills
There are a number of scenarios that leaders
and managers will regularly find themselves in.
For example having to carry our performance
appraisals, manage conflict, and conduct
meetings. There are certain tips, tools and
techniques which can be employed to enable
effective performance in these areas.
We will look at each of these in more detail.
Where relevant I have included the link to
modules already on this site, and summarised
them for you. For more detail please follow the
link to the module.
In larger companies there will be a HR
department that will deal with recruitment and
dismissal of staff, often to ensure all legal
aspects are correctly covered. Some managers
will become involved in this work, which we
have addressed in other modules on the site
Here we will consider and revisit some of the
skills that are required of most leaders and
managers. These skills can be practised and
honed to make you a better manager and
leader. As we discussed earlier in this series of
modules, becoming proficient and excelling in
these skills will help to build your chances of
success.
Leaders and managers must have skills in
leading people and working with others,
individually and in groups. This calls for a
range of skills, including
Delegation Skills
Motivating Others
Performance management and appraisals,
Giving Feedback
Using Transactional Analysis
Conducting Meetings
Persuading and influencing skills
Managing conflict
So we will have a look at each of these in the
next few modules.
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