Have you ever heard your leader say, “Don’t bring me a problem without a solution.” Well, I have! In fact, I have said the same thing to those I lead.
I remember the first time I heard the statement. I was about 15 years old, complaining to my mother about a problem I was having in school. My mother listened to my problem, and when I finished, she asked me how I would solve the problem.
I looked at her and said, “I thought you would talk to my teacher.” Well, my mother smiled and said, “don’t bring me a problem without a solution.” I sat in my chair just looking at her because I didn’t understand what she meant by her statement.
The next day, my mother spoke with my teacher and worked out a solution to my problem. While I didn’t like the outcome of their meeting, I learned a valuable lesson from that experience. The next time I had an issue with a teacher, I tried my best to resolve it before involving my mother.
Throughout my career, I came to appreciate the lesson my mother taught me. As a leader, you will spend your time-solving problems.
Jim Rohn said, “To solve any problem, there are three questions to ask yourself: First, what could I do? Second, what could I read? And third, who could I ask?” These are excellent questions to consider, but for more complex problems, I like to follow what’s known as the rational decision-making model.
The rational decision-making model is a five-step cognitive process of reaching a decision. The process, identified by Nigel Taylor in 1998, was used initially in urban design and planning. I learned the process while serving in the U.S. Army.
So, what are the five steps of the rational decision-making model?
- Define the situation/decision to be made
- Identify the important criteria for the process and the result
- Consider all possible solutions
- Calculate the consequences of these solutions versus the likelihood of satisfying the criteria
- Choose the best option
Once you have chosen the best option, you will need to develop your implementation plan and present your solution to your boss.
“Making good decisions is a crucial skill at every level.”
Peter Drucker
Everyone in the organization is a problem solver. Therefore, it is important to implement a research-based decision-making model.
Are you making rational leadership decisions?
Your leadership guide,
Kim
Dr. Kim Moore | Your Leadership Guide | kimdmoore.com
0 comments