The Quickest Way to Gain Leadership is Problem Solving - Cedrick LaFleur & Johanna Rincon

Introduction
Leaders need to understand how to problem solve. 

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Show Objectives
Help leaders make better and more sound decisions. 


Key Issues 
Leaders sometimes give up on making difficult decisions instead of gaining influence by tackling difficult problems. 

“There is a sense of exhilaration that comes from facing head-on the hard truths and saying, ‘We will not give up. We will never capitulate. It might take a long time, but we will find a way to prevail.’” — Jim Collins 
 


What You Need to Know

PROBLEMS INTRODUCE US TO OURSELVES 
1. Our Decisions Are Often Impacted by Our Proximity to the Problem How did the story with the astronauts illustrate this? 

2. Our Plates as Leaders Will Always Be Filled with Problems

3. Pragmatism Serves Us Well as Leaders

4. Believing There is Always an Answer is an Asset. 

5. Our Actions Can Make Our Problems Increase in Number and Size 

6. Problems Handled Well Often Make Us Better 
What You Need to Do
PROBLEMS INTRODUCE US TO OTHERS 

“I’m not able to comment on his character. I’ve never seen him handle adversity.” 

ASK: How has another person’s character surprised you when they had adversity? 

1. People Who Make Problems Worse
2. People Who Become Problem Magnets 
3. People Who Give Up in the Face of Problems Do you have a Rolodex story? 

4. People Who Use Problems as Stepping-Stones for Success 

PROBLEMS INTRODUCE US TO OPPORTUNITIES 
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein 

1. Recognize a Potential Problem Before it Becomes a Real Problem
2. Get a Clear Picture of the Problem
3. Ask Questions to Help You Solve Problems
4. Create a Framework to Examine Problems and Solutions 
5. Value Shared Problem Solving 
6. Always Come Up with More Than One Solution
7. Cultivate a Bias for Action 
8. Actively Look for Opportunities and Lessons in Every Problem 


APPLICATION: Developing the Problem Solver Within You 

Enlisting Others as Problem Solvers 
Starting this week, when you face problems, begin using questions to learn more about the members of your team, gather information, brainstorm ideas, and find multiple solutions to problems. 

• When did the problem begin? 
• Where did it begin? 
• Who was first to notice it? 
• What are several possible causes for it? 
• What is the impact of the problem? Who is affected? 

Add your own questions to help your team further. 

Shows

• Previous: EPISODE D6.004 Creating Positive Change
• Next: D6.006 Positive Mental Attitude gives you the EXTRA Plus

 
Written by: Cedrick LaFleur, LaFleur Leadership Institute
          www.lafleurleadershipinstitute.com
          cedrick.lafleur2@gmail.com
          832-722-0522
             
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