Being a problem solver is at the heart of a leader's responsibilities. As a leader, you must tackle problems that arise from various sources to help your company and employees. Some problems are quickly resolved, while others require time and effort. To systematically solve problems, a leader should define the problem, determine the root cause, draw up solutions, understand and select the best solution, leverage others' experiences, prioritize problems, and create an action plan to implement the chosen solution. Solving problems effectively and quickly provides momentum that allows a leader to progress and take their business to the next level.

1. A Leader’s Approach To Problem Solving
Being a problem solver is often the heart at the heart of a leader’s responsibilities. Problems can
arise from numerous sources but as a leader, you have to try to minimize and tackle as many as
you can. Predicting, preventing and solving problems creates momentum that will help your
company and your employees. Some problems are quickly resolved but others take time and
effort. These larger problems can be turned into projects with a systematic approach towards
solving them.
Define The Problem
A good manager or leader will often start by making sure that they are working toward solving
the correct problem. Often, you may spend more time finding and defining the problem than
actually solving it. This is an extremely vital step as it will determine the effectiveness of your
further efforts.
Determine The Root Cause
Once you have defined the problem, it is time to take a deeper look at the reason for it
occurring. Solving the root cause of the problem allows you to ignore the symptoms of that
problem. You can opt for various approaches to reach the root cause. You can use a fishbone
diagram or cause and effect analysis to track down the problem. It might be tempting to rush
past but looking at the hurdles along the way can help you move towards your target.
Another would be the “Five-Whys” approach, undertaken by asking “Why” did the problem arise
and following it up with four subsequent “Why”s to get to the root cause of the problem. If you
have tried to solve the problem and failed, chances are that you have not determined the root
cause of the problem and will have to start again.
Draw Up Solutions
Having gotten past the challenging stages of defining and determining the problem and its
causes, you can now get creative and come up with solutions. Some methods for coming up
with solutions are mind mapping and brainstorming. You may also form a hypothesis at the very
start of the process and then look into whether it works or not. Whatever solution you come up
with, make adjustments accordingly and finetune your idea.
Understand and Select a Solution
Try to understand the problem as best you can by deep diving into it and obtaining as many
facts as possible. Analysing the problem will provide more solutions than mere instincts and can
steer you in the right direction. Now that you have several solutions on hand, find out how each
compares to the other along with predefined criteria. Invariably, a simple and precise solution is
better than a more complex one. It is much better to come up with a simple and easily
implemented solution than a complicated solution that will never be fully implemented.
Leverage the Experience of Others

2. Sometimes other people might have had the same problem before and solved it already. it is
simpler to look at previous solutions and implement them. Much of being a leader is
understanding your team and giving them the freedom to navigate and work with each other to
find out more about the problem. You can rely upon the strength of your team to come up with a
sustainable and effective solution if they work well with each other in a cross-functional
environment. Finding and solving problems quickly and easily provides ever welcome
momentum and progress.
Make Time Work for You
Being an effective leader, you have to know which problems to solve and which you can't. Keep
time periods in mind and the likelihood of failure. Prioritizing and maintaining momentum helps
you move forward and solve more problems. Once you have determined the solution that you'd
like to execute, you can create an action plan and undertake a systematic approach to
effectively implement the solution.
The ability to solve problems quickly and effectively is a major catalyst for growth and can offer
unexpected opportunities. If you thrive as a problem solver, you can progress as a leader and
begin to take proactive measures. Soon, you will be able to decide where you want to focus
your time and on taking your business to the next level.