You cannot solve another persons problem. I cannot “fix” you. You cannot fix me. Why? Because we must accept responsibility for a problem before we can solve it, and I am NOT responsible for you nor are you responsible for me. This is one of my bolt on beliefs. This is tricky stuff for the leader, however. You see, we hold leaders responsible for the performance of their team. We expect leaders to accept responsibility for a problem on their team even when the problem turns out to be another person. Leaders, embrace the paradox.
Yikes…
Leaders, you cannot solve a problem by saying “It’s NOT my problem.” Leaders cannot solve a problem by hoping that someone else will solve it for them. Leaders can only solve a problem when they say “This is my problem and it’s up to me to solve it.”
Today, I received a note from a leader that has finally decided to solve a particular problem with his team. He has a few team members that are underperforming. He has allowed them to “take” too much of his energy and time. Today, he’s gone on the hook for solving this problem. He has made it his problem. He has made it clear that he’s choosing to solve it. He is becoming a leader. He is treading into some stormy waters and breaking some rules as he does.
What’s your big problem?
What are you choosing to do to solve it?
Leaders embrace the paradox. Are you…
BUILT TO LEAD 