Throughout 2006 the Straight Talk team noticed a particular pattern of behavior amongst participants in our workshops. The consequence of it is that decisions are badly made and often result in poor quality solutions to problems … which then have to be revisited … when the same poor quality decision making process is applied. As long as problems are not properly resolved, we are not free to move on to solve new problems.

This behavior pattern is the tendency to rush into action with the first solution that seems appropriate, immediately a problem is identified. It goes like this. Manager identifies a problem: on the basis of her knowledge and experience she selects a solution: she communicates the problem and the solution to an employee with an instruction for the one to be applied to the other. The employee complies, without input, opinion or comment, none of which are required or requested. With only the manager’s input applied to the problem, it is quite likely that information is overlooked and the solution does not work fully. It is more than likely that the employee is less than committed to the solution because he had no input to it. Inevitably, the problem resurfaces, blame is cast, more instructions are issued, perhaps more forcefully this time, and the process goes around again.

Next time you have to find a solution to a problem, choose a different approach. Hold back on your opinion, no matter how certain you are that you have the right and only answer. Make it safe for others to offer their ideas. Take a little time to listen and consider their information. Then decide. Chances are you will have a better solution. For certain you will have a solution to which others are more committed.

You have a choice: more of the same or something different. With a little thought, you could have a year that could be more productive and less stressed. That sounds different!

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