Leadership Principle #10 - Come Prepared! Always Have Solutions for Problems
If you were to look at the characteristics of people who become great leaders in the world, both inside and outside the boardroom, there are certain traits they all exhibit which set them apart from their less successful peers. It’s easy to assume I’m talking about God-given talents like intelligence and charisma, but that’s not the case here. One secret to career success (and this applies if you are a CEO reporting to a board of investors or an individual contributor) is to always have solutions for problems. This means never going to a boss or board with just a problem and no solution in hand. Make it a habit to take the necessary time prior to a call or meeting to review the issue, brainstorm, research, and come up with a solution. This proactive approach is what separates high performers from the rest of the crowd.
The reality is that it’s harder to provide solutions than to just complain about a problem, which is why so few people actually take the time and energy required to come up with remedies to the problem. You will find plenty more complainers than individuals who are willing to take the extra step to come up with solutions.
However, the reason this is habit is so powerful is because by presenting solutions alongside the issue, you are taking accountability for the situation and this is a sign of true leadership. This can also be a way for you to help identify future leaders. I speak from experience when I say that building a culture around accountability will pay dividends in your team’s performance, morale and energy over time.
Furthermore, the act itself of finding creative solutions requires a mental shift, resulting in a whole new way of thinking. This is a huge bonus, as the mindset needed to do work is a very positive and creative space. This one small habit of always bringing a solution to every problem will help you reap numerous benefits throughout your career.
As we all know, there will always be problems requiring solutions in business. These problems rarely go away of their own accord, but some problems may actually lead to opportunities, given the right perspective. So, the question is, “what are you doing about it?” Are you in the habit of finding solutions to problems? To get help answering this question and others facing you as a leader, contact me to learn more about my CEO coaching program.