Facing a Challenge?

How to get started thinking about resources to solve problems

Here’s a quick exercise to think about what you might have to offer in a challenging situation.

Firstly:

Grab a pen and paper, draw two lines – roughly equal so that you have three columns.
Think of what is required to tackle the problem. E.g. knowledge, skills, personal qualities, tools or equipment.
Write these down on the left side of the page and leave the spaces on the right hand side blank.

Secondly:

Think about where you might get the requirements: e.g. your own background experiences, knowledge, learning or abilities. This is a list of all the things you can offer.
Write these down in the middle section of the page.

Lastly:

The last column (right-hand side) will be for the contributions that you think others can make. E.g. will you ask a friend or colleague? Look on the internet or a book or video clip to help with ideas to solve the problem. Find out what has been done in similar situations - is there a group or community of practice that could share insights?
Make a plan for contacting the people in the right-hand column to see if they are available to help and have the capability to shed light on your challenging situation.

Sometimes it’s the simple things that will help you map out an approach to a challenge. Sometimes its just the act of getting started and identifying the ‘who has expertise’, will encourage you to move towards a solution.

Talk to us about other ideas for problem solving: email carol@onedaytraining.co.nz

Adapted from: Pedler, M, Burgoyne, J. and Boydell, T. (2010) A Managers Guide to Leadership. McGraw-Hill, USA

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