Problem solving involves finding solutions to complex issues by working through details, while leadership requires inspiring others towards goals and solving problems that arise. Good leaders anticipate problems, accept the truth, see the big picture, and handle problems one at a time. Leadership requires creative problem solving by viewing challenges from new perspectives and seeking innovation. Leaders must anticipate, identify, solve, prevent, and learn from problems, using strong communication and innovative approaches. When solving problems, leaders define the issue, analyze causes and evidence, establish evaluation criteria, propose solutions, and make an action plan.
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Discusses the definitions of problem-solving and leadership, emphasizing their interrelationship.
Explores John's leadership qualities that enhance problem-solving capabilities and creative approaches.
Outlines five tasks for leaders in problem-solving: defining, analyzing, evaluating solutions, proposing solutions, and taking action.
Thanks the audience for their attention in the discussion regarding problem-solving and leadership.
What is problemsolving?
the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. The process of working through
details of a problem to reach a solution.
3.
What is leadership?
Leadershipis the ability to inspire or influence others towards the leader's goal. It also include the
ability to solve complex problems that may occur.
4.
Interface between problemsolving &
Leadership
John C. Maxwell (1999) describes the four good qualities of leadership with
good problem solving ability-:
Good leaders anticipate problems- problems are inevitable and good
leaders anticipate and have a positive attitude but plan for the worst.
Accept the truth-denying problems only prolong the agony. Be willing to
look at the issues honestly and accept responsibility and move forward.
See the big picture-have a vision of the future and be able to see where
the organisation can be in five or ten years.
Handle one problem at a time – eat the elephant one bite at a time .
5.
A significantkey to creative problem solving is the capacity and willingness to view problems or
challenge from a new perspective and seek innovation in exploring potential options.
Great leaders are at the their core great problem –solvers . They take proactive measures to avoid
conflicts and address when they arise.
A strong leader must have the capacity and skills to anticipate , identify ,solve , prevent and learn from
the problem that occur at a given time
Creative problem solving skills require positive processes that incorporate strong communication skills,
respect for all parties involved, and innovative approaches. When problems are viewed as
"opportunities," the benefits for both leaders and staff can be highly positive.
7.
Five tasks thatshould be followed by a leader when approaching a problem solving situation:
1. Define the problem- the leader has to make a list of resources –people, books, websites.
These resources have the connection to and information the problem. The leader then uses
these resources to clarify any unfamiliar terms or concepts, and to clarify for the group what
s/he understands the problem to be. At this point, the leader is looking for symptoms the
evidence that a problem exists not causes of the problem.
2. Analysing the problem- after the group has discussed the evidence for the existence of the
problem and defined what the problem is, the leader turns his/her attention to analysing the
evidence more thoroughly, looking for relevant data that may explain why the problem exists,
evaluating the data collected and the sources of the data.
3. Establishing criteria for evaluating solutions-the leader sets an objective with the group
that all proposed solutions should strive for. Based on the definition of the problem and
analysis of its cause(s), this objective should be the one specific goal that any acceptable
solution should attain.
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4.Proposing solutions- afterthe leader has established some basis for evaluating
solutions, he/she can try brainstorming solutions (see the "Brainstorming" section of
this chapter for additional information). From the list of solutions that emerge from the
brainstorming session, the leader develops a realistic range of solutions and selects the
one that best fits needs according to the evaluation criteria.
5.Taking action-the leader writes an action plan that details the steps and the resources
needed to implement the solution.