“If there was nothing wrong in the world there would be nothing for us to do.” George Bernard Shaw

One of the job descriptions of a leader is that they solve problems.  If you are reading this you are most likely leading others.  For the simple fact that you are leading others your day most likely consist of solving problems.  Many times we resent that we have the responsibility to solve problems but in actually if we did not do it we would not be considered the leader.  So as much as it frustrates us we should learn to embrace it.   It basically a change in attitude.  I would say 60 to 70 percent of may day is revolved around solving problems.  I decided a long time ago that is I am going to have so much of my work day revolved around solving problems then I should at least be good at it.  In other words making it the goal to be the best problem solver I can be.

To help you in this area here are a few practices that you can do to help you become a better problem solver:

1)       Try to make big important decisions when you are at your best.  It is not always possible but when it is try to make big decisions when you are at your best.  When you have had enough rest.  When you are not fatigued.  When you have had ample time to look at the different options, aspects and contributing factors.  When you are physically and mentally in a position to make a sound decision.

2)      Learn the difference between when to make a quick decision and when to take your time.  Large decisions that affect others are usually decisions that you do not want to make quickly.  You want to take your time and investigate the situation.  On the other had there are other decisions that you can make quickly and move on.  A good leader knows the difference between a low involved decision and a larger decision that requires you to be more involved in the process.

3)      Do not make other people urgency your urgency.  Many leaders make quick decisions because they feel the pressure others.  More often than not when we surrender to the pressure of other we end up making a bad decision.   Do not let the urgency of others pressure you into making a bad decision.

As I mentioned earlier our long-term success as a leader is greatly based upon how well we make important decisions.  The more we prepare ourselves for when the opportunity arises the better.

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Questions:

1)       Spend some time evaluation the difference between high involved decisions and low involved decision.  List below three decisions that you have to make in the next couple of weeks.  Do they require high involvement or low involvement?

2)      How can you prepare yourself to make a good decision in this area?

3)      What are some of the quick decisions that you can make in this week that do not require much thought?