Are they Problems - Or Opportunities in Disguise?
By Leanne Crain
Let’s face it, dealing with challenges is part of being a leader. As much as we may not want to deal with those challenges, it is inevitable, and it is important that leaders are ready to react when they come along. Have you seen those leaders that flourish when dealing with a challenge? Are you one of them? If not, let me tell you why you should be.
When true leaders are faced with problems, they do not shrink from them. They know that inside every problem is an opportunity waiting to get out, and they are determined to find it. As we’ve discussed before, having a positive attitude will assist you in times of challenge because you will instinctively search for the good in the situation. Remember, this could be the perfect opportunity for a change, and that change could make more of a difference than you could imagine!
You must be able to step back from whatever challenge you are facing and have a look at the big picture. If you are having trouble doing this, have a few people on your team get together and try to work it out if possible. Sometimes it takes more than one set of “eyes”. This is especially true if it is a problem that affects an entire department or area, having input and ideas from others who are directly involved will not only help you to get a better feel for things, it will also help make the team motivated to make the changes that need to happen.
One process that is sometimes used to explore problems is called the TEACH method by John Maxwell.
Time – spend time to discover the real issue
Exposure – find out what others have done
Assistance – have your team study all the angles
Creativity – brainstorm multiple solutions
Hit it – implement the best solution
Once you have established what the problem is, what opportunities can come from it, and how to go about implementing it – do it. Make a plan on how you are going to embrace this opportunity, break it down into a step-by-step process, and start on step one right away. By breaking it into steps, you will be more able to tackle it, and you will see the progress you make more clearly. Don’t get caught up in details, and whatever you do, don’t give up.
Remember, as Thomas Carlyle said “The block of granite, which was an obstacle in the path of the weak, becomes a stepping stone in the path of the strong.”
For more on leadership, please contact Gary Gzik at 613.342.2200 ext. 108 or at ggzik@bizxcel.com.
Leanne Crain is a Marketing Assistant for BizXcel. Her background is marketing and tourism, and she has over 12 years experience in the sales and marketing field.
