“Be a solution provider, not a problem identifier.” ~ Danita Bye
Television, newspaper, blog writers all seem to focus on the identifying the problems 
in the North Dakota Bakken. That’s the easy part. Seldom do I read about the solutions.
Problem identifiers are a dime a dozen. Positive agents of change are those who think and talk in solutions.
Business Leader, coach your team members to become Problem Solvers
When I was leading the sales team at Micro-Tech, a hearing-aid company, I would thank the Problem Identifiers for bringing issues to the table. Then I’d give them an assignment to come back to me with three possible solutions.
Why three? Again, it’s relatively easy to come up with one possible solution. However, rarely is that idea the best idea. We often take the fast lane – a tactical approach to solving the problem versus a deeper, more comprehensive, let’s-get-rid-of-this-problem-forever approach. If we have three possible solutions to work with, we’ll almost always come up with a brilliant light-bulb solution.
This exercise is helpful in identifying Next Gen Leaders.
Dakota Leadership’s Sixth Action Step to Live with an Outward Focus
Be a solution provider – not a problem identifier.
Here are some helpful tips to becoming a better Solution Provider:
- Separate root problems from symptoms. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference—ask yourself if there’s a cause-and-effect relationship.
- Look at the big picture to find creative, sustainable solutions.
- Seek opportunities wrapped up inside problems.
- Create a relaxed atmosphere where others in the team feel safe and confident to share their ideas.
- Cast your ego aside. The focus is not on getting credit for solving a problem, but on doing whatever is necessary to provide a solution.
Yes, I admit. I often got the roll-the-eyes-isn’t-Danita-irritating response when I asked the Three-Possible-Solutions Question. Developing the Solution Muscle isn’t easy, but it does help you stand out from the crowd.
What is Dakota Leadership?
Dakota Leadership is resilient influence rooted in virtuous character that amid challenges determinedly acts as a catalyst for momentum and positive change.
In the next post I’ll tell you how the way you do your job influences your ability to be a positive agent of change.
Dakota Leadership question: How might you shift your thinking to become a Solution Provider and not a Problem Identifier?
Dakota Leadership lesson: Positive agents of change are those who think and talk in solutions.
© Copyright 2015, Danita Bye, Sales Growth Specialists, All Rights Reserved.
The post Business Leader: Are you a Solution Provider or a Problem Identifier? appeared first on Sales and Sales Management Blog | Sales Growth Specialists.
