The Importance of Challenging Assumptions When Problem Solving

While leadership entails guiding people in the direction of success, it also requires the ability to look at problems and seek solutions. How you frame those problems can have much to do with the solution arrived at.

Mark Twain once said, “What gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know, it’s what we know for sure that just ain’t so.” Remaining convinced that our way is the right way when in fact we might not know what we don’t know can be the stumbling block to uncovering solutions.

The “right thing” often depends on the situation and who is looking at it. As a leader, you will be required to choose when uncertain and to decide where to focus as well as where not to focus.

Here at thoughtLEADERS, I’m fortunate to work with some incredibly bright people. Greg Acton is one of them. Greg recently discussed the topic of problem solving with Steve Caldwell at Manager Mojo. They got together on his podcast to discuss how to better frame problems and generate solutions. Listen to the podcast here:

The process Greg discusses with Steve is based on the Structured Problem Solving course we teach. If you’re interested in learning more on that course and bringing us in to your organization to teach it, just contact us.

I hope you enjoyed Greg’s conversation with Steve. I encourage you to give the approaches they discussed a try and see how it impacts problem solving in your organization.

– Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC

Greg Acton is a principal here at thoughtLEADERS. He’s got deep expertise in problem solving, communications, and strategy.

Steve Caldwell is an executive mentor and coach to managers and leaders who desire to excel in their career and become the leader others want to follow. Steve is a leadership expert, host of the Manager Mojo podcast and author of the book Manager Mojo – Be the Leader Others Want to Follow (www.ManagerMojo.com).

Did you enjoy this post? If so, I highly encourage you to take about 30 seconds to become a regular subscriber to this blog. It’s free, fun, practical, and only a few emails a week (I promise!). SIGN UP HERE to get the thoughtLEADERS blog conveniently delivered right to your inbox!

Photo: Frame by seyed mostafa zamani