Tip #435: 5 Steps To Solve Problems Fast

Problems at work are inevitable, but you can solve them faster and lessen your stress by resolving problems efficiently. Specifically, if you tackle a problem when it arises, there is less of a chance that it can develop into a less manageable problem in the future. Fortunately, solving business problems is not unlike how we solve problems in our personal lives. You must identify the problem, determine its cause, gather information about it and decide on how to solve it.

You can solve even the most difficult problems quickly using the steps outlined below.

The 5 Steps For Solving Business Problems Quickly Are:

Step #1: Identify The Problem - What is the problem you need to solve? Before you can tackle an issue, you need to know the parameters of the problem. If the problem involves a team member, third-party vendor or customer, describe the issue after they explain it to you. This will ensure that you are properly identifying the issue.

Step #2: Determine The Cause Of The Problem - Of course everyone wants to resolve the problem, but before you do, you should determine what caused the issue in the first place. This will prevent the same mistake in the future. If there was a breakdown in communication or a deviation from procedures, note that weak point in your process.

Step #3: Brainstorm Solutions - Using a whiteboard, quickly brainstorm possible solutions. Write down everything you think of and don't over-think it. Keep in mind that there may be more than one right answer.

Step #4: Decide On A Solution - Eliminate solutions that cannot or will not work. Rank your remaining possible solutions in order, best to worst. Consider all positives and negatives of each solution while doing this.

Step #5: Take Action ASAP - The longer you wait to fix a problem, the more likely it can get out of hand. This will only add to your stress and spawn new problems. Formulate a quick action plan and immediately embark on the first step.

Executive Summary:Problem solving skills are important skills - both in your business and life. That said, effective business leaders handle work problems calmly, quickly and efficiently. By working quickly towards a fast and amicable solution, you will show your team that you are able to handle these issues fairly AND effectively and as they arise.     

 

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Tip #434: 6 Essential Tips For Communication

Do you ever go into too much detail when talking with someone? Or how about talking too much or getting hung up on arguing a point rather than building consensus? If you do, this article might be of interest to you or someone you know.

Almost every decision maker wants a team leader who can clarify objectives and create specific goals/plans for their teams to achieve.

When you are a leader, you are the hub of communication as well as the intermediary between executives and employees. Because of this, your communication skills significantly affect the direction of your team.

To help you become a better communicator, we have assembled five tips to help you analyze and improve your own communication skills.

6 Essential Communication Tips For Leaders Are:

Tip #1: Remain Adaptable - Great leaders adapt quickly to new situations. When you encounter changes in your work environment, demonstrate flexibility and remain an example to your team.

Tip #2: Act Approachable And Open To Change - Some of the best ideas in your organization will come from the employees that you manage. If others see you as approachable and willing to accept new ideas, they will be more likely to share these ideas with you.

Tip #3: Handle Stress Professionally - Keep calm in stressful situations and it will help your team do the same. Observe and control processes to make sure that one team member is not getting overloaded.

Tip #4: Work Creatively - Without innovation, your business cannot grow. Even if you have a novel idea, you need to continually develop creative solutions to stay ahead of your competition.

Tip #5: Listen Actively - Active listening ensures that you understand the other person's concerns. Additionally, it allows you to provide a concise and targeted response, maximizing your clarity.

Tip #6: It's Not About You - The key to talking with someone is asking more questions than not. As all experts agree, you have two ears and one mouth; therefore, listen twice as much you talk.

Executive Summary: Great leaders communicate effectively and openly. They are also easy to engage in conversation. To help you become a better leader, you should listen actively and remain a positive example for your team and know that you are the communication hub for everyone as well. The key to your success will be your ability to focus on clarity to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.

 

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Tip #433: How To Create Opportunity From Conflict

Some business leaders avoid conflict if they cannot determine an immediate benefit in resolving the issue at hand. Additionally, they may feel uncomfortable with confrontation. However, conflicts are a reality; therefore, they also can present an opportunity for learning and improving work behavior, the work environment and your overall processes.

Not Dealing With A Conflict Can Lead To Staff Confusion And Lack Of Respect.

When a manager is extremely uncomfortable with confronting others directly, it can lead to confusion in the team or worse, lack of respect. Furthermore, by not dealing with the issue or conflict, it tends to grow and worsen. And if it does, it can negatively affect your corporate culture.

4 Tips For Creating Opportunity From Conflict Are:

Tip #1: Deal With Conflict Resolution Directly - Address an issue as soon as you encounter and identify it. This can prevent the problem from worsening and will prevent misunderstandings. If you can help conflicting employees see each others perspectives early on, it is easier to frame it as a learning experience.

Tip #2: Differentiate Between Positive And Negative Stress - Did you know that stress can be positive or negative? Positive stress (such as that associated with meeting a realistic deadline) is different from negative stress (such as stress generated from working with an emotionally abusive employee). If you can tell the difference between positive and negative stress, you will know when to simply coach an employee through a situation versus directly intervening.

Positive stress can cause a bit of tension, but generally it causes employees to remain dedicated to a task. Negative stress causes extreme irritability and results in hurt feelings and conflict.

Tip #3: Develop And Use Your Interpersonal Skills - If you relate well to others before a conflict even occurs, you have the best possible tool for dealing with issues when they do happen. If your team trusts and respects you, they will listen to you when it is time for you to step in and resolve a conflict.

Tip #4: Enhance And Utilize Your Communication Skills - Listen actively and let your employees understand that they are being heard. You can do this by reiterating their concerns in your responses. Use an objective perspective to avoid emotion and stick to fact-based solutions. Your calm and diplomatic demeanor will provide an example to your team.

Executive Summary: When you deal with conflict directly, you have the opportunity to provide a teaching moment to the parties involved. Additionally, you will cut down on employee dissatisfaction, negative morale and decreases in production.

 

While it is easy to understand how conflict can create a divide between two coworkers, an effective leader can demonstrate the opportunity in such a situation. If you set the example, you can be the change you wish to see in your corporate culture.

 

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