15.0 Leadership in Problem Solving

15.1 What is "Leadership in Problem Solving"?

Leadership in problem solving basically emphasizes on a leader's approach in engaging with issues. So, how does a leader's problem solving skill significantly differ to a non-leader's? It is segregation. To put it into detail, a leader engages an issue by segregating the two elements in an issue: the solution and the problem. In this article, we would address the two fashions of mentality as solution-focused and problem-focused.

15.2 The Two Fashions

Richard Branson and James Caan at the third and fourth seats from the left; courtesy of Virgin Startup.

First of all, we should question ourselves: Why do leaders segregate the two fashions in dealing with issues? It is for clarity. Any measure of action would highly divert an organization/ team from the intended track when goal/ issue is not dealt clearly.

15.2.1 The Solution-Focused

Solution-focused is when a leader deals with an issue primarily having in mind to solve it. How is it put into practise? Upon the arose issue, a leader would identify the nature and gravity it may amplify. The next step is a leader would think critically on what options are available in solving the issue followed by available resources for the solution's implementation. The key in solution-focused is to be focused solely on the solution, not the issue.

15.2.2 The Problem-Focused

Problem-focused is when a leader deals with an issue primarily having in mind to think on which part of the process goes faulty that makes it possible for the particular issue to occur. Bare in mind, it is very crucial for a person in power to not adopt this fashion to use it for hammering down his/ her subordinates. The key in problem-focused is to identify gaps in a process and setting up internal control in the gaps.

Almost similarly, the two fashions are comparative to the problem solving skill called Plan Do Check Act aka. PDCA. On a side note to the closure of this article, I highly recommend readers to watch the Dragons' Den (UK) to observe great leaders' approach in making business decisions.

I hope this topic benefits you as much as it has benefited myself, wa la hawla wa la kuwatta ila billah. Insha'Allah, the next topic will be posted in the near future.