Solving the Right Problem: A Key Question for Leaders
Solving the Right Problem: A Key Question for Leaders
Overcoming Leadership Challenges by Uncovering Root Causes
What Problem Are You Trying to Solve?
This has become my favorite coaching question, both in my professional work and my personal reflections. It's a simple yet profound way to cut through the noise and focus on the core of any issue.
From experience, I’ve learned that many leaders overlook the importance of clearly defining the problem at hand. Focusing on surface-level frustrations is easy, but those are rarely the root cause. We tend to believe that problems are obvious but often hide beneath everyday struggles. That’s why it’s crucial to slow down, ask the right questions, and take the time to get to the heart of the issue.
Recently, I spoke with a young leader burdened by the weight of his role. He talked for nearly 30 minutes about the various challenges he was facing. Knowing him well, I asked a deeper question: What is your real challenge here?
That question shifted everything. As we continued talking, it became clear that the problem wasn’t just about the day-to-day demands of his role. While there were practical adjustments, the root issue was more profound. He was projecting himself into a future senior leadership role, carrying the weight of problems that didn’t exist yet. His struggle wasn’t with his current responsibilities but with the pressure he placed on himself to perform in a future scenario that hadn’t come.
By the end of our conversation, he felt relieved—freed from the burden of living in a future reality. This moment reminded me of the importance of digging deeper into the question, "What problem are we trying to solve?"
The Obstacles We Face
Why is it so difficult to engage with this question properly? From my observation, here are the eight most common obstacles that leaders face when trying to solve problems:
Lack of Clarity and Vision: Without a clear understanding of the desired outcome, leaders often struggle to define the real problem, wasting energy on irrelevant issues.
Fear: Fear of failure, success, or the unknown can paralyze leaders, causing them to focus on surface-level issues rather than probing deeper.
Overwhelm and Complexity: In fast-paced, complex environments, leaders often face conflicting priorities, which can lead to decision paralysis and a tendency to tackle visible symptoms instead of root causes.
Imposter Syndrome: When leaders doubt their abilities, they may focus more on proving themselves than on solving the organization’s true challenges.
Lack of Trust: Without trust in oneself, others, or the process, leaders may avoid open communication, which hinders real problem-solving.
Time Pressure: The push for quick solutions leads to rushed decisions that address symptoms rather than root causes. Lack of time for reflection often results in temporary fixes and recurring issues.
Emotional Bias: Strong emotions, such as frustration or anxiety, can cloud judgment, leading to reactive decision-making and misinterpreting or escalating problems.
Cultural and Organizational Norms: When organizational culture discourages transparency or deep reflection, leaders may struggle to explore root problems, amplifying fear and mistrust.
Overcoming the Obstacles
Quick fixes won’t work here. Developing healthy habits would do. To address these challenges effectively, we must reverse the stumbling blocks and develop critical habits for thoughtful problem-solving.
Clarity of Vision: Define your end goal. What does success look like? When the outcome is clear, the real problem becomes more evident.
Curiosity and Deep Inquiry: Don’t stop at the first answer. Ask more profound questions like What’s really going on here? And Why is this happening? Keep digging until you uncover the root cause.
Emotional Awareness and Regulation: Recognize when emotions are clouding your judgment. Step back, calm your emotions, and then return to the issue with a clear head.
Building Trust: Trust in yourself and the people around you. Foster an environment where open dialogue and vulnerability are encouraged, allowing for a more honest exploration of the problem.
Creating Space for Reflection: Rushing into solutions is straightforward in a fast-paced world. Take intentional time for reflection. Slow down the decision-making process to allow for deeper insights.
Simplifying Complexity: Break complex problems into smaller parts. Simplifying the issue can help you focus on the most critical aspects and avoid getting lost in the details.
Encouraging Vulnerability: Admit when you don’t know the answer. Leaders who embrace vulnerability can build stronger teams and foster trust, which can lead to more effective problem-solving.
Patience and Persistence: Complex problems don’t have quick fixes. Be patient, and keep working toward clarity and understanding, even when the path forward isn’t immediately clear.
Reflect and Act
Now, let’s return to the question: What problem are you trying to solve?
Think of a problem that has been on your mind lately. Take a few moments to reflect:
Which of the eight stumbling blocks resonate with you?
Which ones are preventing you from digging deeper into the real issue?
What steps can you take today to start addressing the root problem instead of the symptoms?
Challenge Yourself
I encourage you to write down your problem and the obstacles you’re facing. Then, ask the deeper questions: What is the real challenge here? What might be the root cause of this problem? Once you have some clarity, take a small, intentional step to address the root cause, not just the surface issue.
Remember, real problem-solving requires clarity, patience, and a willingness to go beyond the obvious. We can make more thoughtful and effective decisions by engaging deeply with the question.
It is a long game.
Start well today by asking the QUESTION.
Until the next post, I am cheering for you to lead with purpose and compassion..