Problem solving is the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. Leaders with creative problem solving skills are able to inspire and challenge others to find new, creative solutions to prominent problems. Effective leaders utilize problem solving skills to identify root causes, implement solutions, and measure results. In essence, all leaders are problem solvers and should encourage their teams to be the same. Problem solving is an effective skill in and outside of the workplace.
As a leader, problems are constantly brought to my attention. Whether it's operational, technically, or interpersonal, my team looks to me for guidance and support. However, simply solving the problem for them doesn't resolve future problems. Effective leaders challenge their teams to think independently and problem solve for themselves. In doing so, my team has become more creative, innovative, and self sufficient. Problem solving encourages others to own the work and discover solutions for themselves.
Theory Practice of Leadership
OGL 300: Theory Practice of Leadership focused on an in-depth study of leadership theory and its practical application in formal organizations. As a team, we were challenged to make difficult decisions through a crisis simulator, which included an unfortunate plane crash. We were tasked with allocating funds, breaking the media, motivating the team, and rebuilding the brand. I chose these artifacts because they examined the different leadership styles and theories available to aid in problem solving and decision making. The crisis simulator taught me to examine all aspects before making a decision and to remain adaptable if your decision fails.
As a leader, problems are constantly brought to my attention. Whether it's operational, technically, or interpersonal, my team looks to me for guidance and support. However, simply solving the problem for them doesn't resolve future problems. Effective leaders challenge their teams to think independently and problem solve for themselves. In doing so, my team has become more creative, innovative, and self sufficient. Problem solving encourages others to own the work and discover solutions for themselves.
Theory Practice of Leadership
OGL 300: Theory Practice of Leadership focused on an in-depth study of leadership theory and its practical application in formal organizations. As a team, we were challenged to make difficult decisions through a crisis simulator, which included an unfortunate plane crash. We were tasked with allocating funds, breaking the media, motivating the team, and rebuilding the brand. I chose these artifacts because they examined the different leadership styles and theories available to aid in problem solving and decision making. The crisis simulator taught me to examine all aspects before making a decision and to remain adaptable if your decision fails.
| mod_6_crisis_refection__2_.docx |
| ogl_300__paper_3__3_.docx |
Reflection
I included problem solving as a competency because problem solving and decision making is a critical aspect of any leadership role. Throughout my OGL journey, I've worked with many virtual teams and they all required different levels of patience, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. Each team had different objectives that required us to collaborate and make decisions based on a democratic process. As leaders, we problem solved by 1. identifying the problem, 2. analyzing the problem, 3. describing the problem, 4. seeking alternative solutions, 5. implementing the solution, and 6. measuring results. All of which challenged us to go deeper and analyze differently than ever before.
Prior to these OGL courses, I thought my role as a leader was to solve problems. Rather than teaching or motivating others to problem solve for themselves, I would just hand them the answer. However this prevented my team from developing and ultimately disturbed my work-life balance. Once I discovered my leadership role was about influencing and developing others, I changed my mindset around problem solving. Now, I show my followers how to find the tools and resources available and allow them to problem solve for themselves. Not only do they discover the answer for themselves, but they develop leadership skills and capabilities of their own. It's much more rewarding to watch them grow and succeed than to just apply a band-aid to the problem.
I included problem solving as a competency because problem solving and decision making is a critical aspect of any leadership role. Throughout my OGL journey, I've worked with many virtual teams and they all required different levels of patience, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. Each team had different objectives that required us to collaborate and make decisions based on a democratic process. As leaders, we problem solved by 1. identifying the problem, 2. analyzing the problem, 3. describing the problem, 4. seeking alternative solutions, 5. implementing the solution, and 6. measuring results. All of which challenged us to go deeper and analyze differently than ever before.
Prior to these OGL courses, I thought my role as a leader was to solve problems. Rather than teaching or motivating others to problem solve for themselves, I would just hand them the answer. However this prevented my team from developing and ultimately disturbed my work-life balance. Once I discovered my leadership role was about influencing and developing others, I changed my mindset around problem solving. Now, I show my followers how to find the tools and resources available and allow them to problem solve for themselves. Not only do they discover the answer for themselves, but they develop leadership skills and capabilities of their own. It's much more rewarding to watch them grow and succeed than to just apply a band-aid to the problem.
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