The ‘Solutions-Focused’ Exemplary Leader

Written by Larry Fehd, CEO & Founder / HPS

The words “solutions” and “problems” conjure up different thoughts and feelings for me. The former ignites anticipation, excitement and opportunity. The later evokes heaviness, triggers analytical thinking and a potential barrier that may slow me down or bring me to a grinding halt. Granted, it’s my mindset (established set of attitudes) and thought process that determine my perspective.

The challenge for leaders can be our blindness – or assumption – about how others may interpret these words as well. It only makes sense to choose the most productive, between solutions and problems, and focus our mindset and thought process accordingly. Thus, it would also make sense to choose the most productive option and focus the mindsets and thought processes of our employees, teams and organizations in the most productive direction.

The solutions-focused leader is a catalyst for breaking through and beyond inertia. The solutions-focused leader creates an inspiring path forward. The solutions-focused leader accelerates the passage from the current (less than ideal) to a future (closer to perfect) state or solution. The solutions-focused leader seeks and facilitates simple, substantive and sustainable solutions; these pillars form the foundation of The HPS Solutions Model™.

The problems-focused leader may perpetuate inertia and maintaining the status quo. The problems-focused leader may stifle creativity and innovation. The problems-focused leader may slow or stall the passage from the current (less than ideal) to future (closer to perfect) state or solution. The problems-focused leader is not a catalyst for breaking through and beyond inertia and may enable status quo. Do word choices matter? Unequivocally, yes!

Some of you may already be preparing an argument against one or both of the above suppositions. But, hear me out! Think about and answer the following question: Do you get more excited when you think of finding solutions or solving problems? What was your first inclination? The answer to this question may provide some insight into your leadership style and mindset (established set of attitudes) about solutions and problems.

Research suggests that leaders are more effective when engaging a solutions-focused approach. It seems that a focus on what is already working – no matter how small or seemingly insignificant – is a catalyst for continued progress. Small steps, versus giant leaps, typically involve less risk, tend to build confidence, produce deeper commitment and bolster momentum. A problems-focused approach tends to have just the opposite effect.

“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong, First Man on the Moon, July 1969.

Tips and Practical Applications:

  • Building on what is already working engages a positive mindset and inspires pursuit of closer to perfect.
  • Look for opportunities to proactively recognize and affirm progress, no matter how small, of all employees.
  • Be deliberate and mindful when posing questions to employees. Are they solutions or problems-focused?

Ready to take your leadership, teams and organization performance to an exemplary-level?  We will work one-on-one with you to accelerate your ascent to Exemplary Leadership™ Learn More

About The HPS Solutions Model™: Simple (no more or less than required resources);Substantive (research-based, empirical evidence); Sustainable (enduring while avoiding flavor-of-the-month syndrome or a failed initiative).

 

The Art of Exemplary Leadership
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© Human Performance Strategies (HPS). All rights reserved.

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Optimizing Leadership, Team &
Organizational Performance


© Human Performance Strategies (HPS). All rights reserved.

Larry Fehd

Chief Executive Officer & Founder / HPS
Executive Leadership & Business Optimization Advisor

CONTACT:
M: (512) 415-0748
Email: lfehd@hp-strategies.com

One comment on “The ‘Solutions-Focused’ Exemplary Leader

  1. Larry, as always enjoyed reading your article and found the definitions and tips particularly helpful in defining my own leadership style and value sets.

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