When people ask me what I do for a living I say I’m a professional problem solver.  That’s what all leaders do…don’t they solve problems?  Effective problem solving is a critical skill for leaders. The ability to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and guide teams through complex issues is what separates great leaders from the rest.  Those of us who have been doing this for a while have developed strategies that work, but how do we help our younger inexperienced team members crack the code of problem solving?  I’ve got tips that can help.

But first a shoutout to my amazing friend and GLOBAL HR GENIUS Debra for giving me this blog idea over our fun lunch this weekend.

1. Embrace a Learning Mindset

As a young leader, it's essential to view every problem as an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and be open to feedback. Seek out mentors and experienced colleagues who can provide guidance and insights. 

2. Start with Small Wins

Tackling smaller, manageable problems first can build confidence and credibility. Small wins create momentum and provide valuable experience that can be applied to more significant challenges. Celebrate these victories with your team to boost morale and demonstrate progress.

3. Build Strong Relationships

Relationships are critical to effective problem solving. Invest time in building strong relationships with your team members, peers, and superiors. Understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives can help you leverage the collective expertise of your team. As John C. Maxwell once said, "Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another."

4. Be Transparent and Communicate Openly

Young leaders can sometimes feel the need to project an image of infallibility. I see this every day with my newer team members.  They hesitate to ask questions for fear they look bad.  As leaders our job is to make them feel comfortable enough with us to ask any question.  I tell my team the only dumb question is one not asked. Transparency and open communication are more effective in the long run. Share the challenges you’re facing with your team and encourage them to contribute ideas and solutions. This fosters a culture of trust and collaboration.

5. Leverage Technology and Tools

Young leaders often have an edge when it comes to technology. Utilize digital tools and platforms to gather data, analyze information, and streamline problem-solving processes. Project management software, communication tools, and data analytics can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness.

6. Develop Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial for understanding and managing your own emotions and those of others. High EQ can help you navigate conflicts, build empathy, and lead with compassion. Daniel Goleman, a psychologist who popularized the concept of emotional intelligence, emphasized that IQ and technical skills are important, but emotional intelligence is the key to leadership.

7. Practice Decision-Making

Decision-making is a skill that improves with practice. As leaders we need to give younger team members opportunities to start by making smaller decisions and gradually take on more significant ones as they gain confidence. Encourage folks not to be afraid to make mistakes—view them as learning opportunities. Remember the advice of leadership expert Simon Sinek: "You don’t hire for skills; you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills."

8. Stay Resilient and Adaptable

Problems can be unpredictable and require flexibility. Cultivate resilience by staying adaptable and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of setbacks. As Nelson Mandela famously said, "Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

9. Reflect and Learn

After solving a problem, take time to reflect on the process with our less experienced team members. Ask them what worked well? What could have been done differently? This reflection helps solidify lessons learned and prepares people for future challenges. 

By embracing these tips, young leaders can develop their problem-solving skills and lead their teams with confidence and effectiveness. Remember, leadership is a journey, and every challenge encountered along the way is an opportunity to perfect our problem solving skills and those of our team.