What do you do if your problem-solving abilities at work are hindering your success?

Two things that have helped me: (1) Recognize my limits: Caught myself not being honest with myself in the past. Realisation is the first step towards improvement. And (2) Hire my limitations: Reach out to someone who can excel where I can’t. If you don’t have the means to hire someone ask for help. Many good and capable people out there ready to help you. Procrastination is a killer. Kill it by doing (1) + (2) before it “kills” you.

Problem-solving abilities start with considering whether the right questions are being asked. Assemble a team of people who can jointly assess, challenge, and assist in identifying the questions, determining what data is then elicited by answering them, and subsequently, what solutions does the data then point to? We don’t have to go it alone. Collaboration leads to strengths, innovations, and learning moments for all.

I am in my 60s. I try to keep up with the latest trends in the overall business and industry ecosystem, but it is not enough. Also, business compliances—domestic and international—are becoming more challenging and complex than ever before. To stay relevant to the business, the expectations of all stakeholders of "instant response and service" have to be met. I recognise these limits. Depending on the area, I reach out to technology, marketing, finance, and operation specialists. I seek their wisdom and expertise on challenges and gaps in my current working methodology. Where required, I delegate tasks that I cannot manage and are becoming problematic. One thing is for sure. One cannot procrastinate on attending problems. The best way

As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get addicted to being the hero. You likely had to solve a ton of problems on your own at first to get your company off the ground, and you got rewarded for that when your company grew. But at a certain point, holding yourself up as the only problem-solving hero in your organization is going to strangle further growth, as you will only be able to find/keep team members who are happy in an execution-only role. You need people who can solve problems on their own if you want to thrive. Doing your own trauma work can help you discover why you need to feel so needed and important all the time, and release the past baggage that keeps you stuck in this negative pattern.

It is important for entrepreneurs to understand and keep in mind that all problems should be solved in the present context, as solutions can vary in effectiveness and cost efficiency. One thing a person needs to understand is that there are many solutions to problems, but the ones with better effectiveness and cost efficiency always receive the limelight. Hence, from a perspective aimed at making effective changes, problems are always infinite. There is always room to improve the impact of solutions, but it's crucial to acknowledge that there are no zero-error solutions to any problem.

🤔 If your problem-solving prowess is paradoxically tripping you up at work, start seeking fresh perspectives like a tourist with a city map. Chat with colleagues, listen to feedback, and maybe even consider viewpoints from other industries. Sometimes, the key to unlocking success is viewing the puzzle through a different lens!

Dla mnie co najmniej równie ważne jak sprawdzanie różnych perspektyw jest patrzenie na konsekwencje. Szczególnie te długo okresowe, gdyż często przatrzy się na nie w zbyt krótkim okresie czasu. For me, it is equally important to consider the consequences as it is to examine various perspectives. Particularly long-term onec, as tjey arę often viewed to short a time period.

Diverse viewpoints often lead to innovative solutions. Engage with colleagues, mentors, or industry experts to gain fresh insights into the challenges you face. Collaborative problem-solving not only broadens your understanding but also fosters a supportive work environment conducive to success.

The entrepreneurial journey often begins with one or two individuals, initial ideas brewing among close team members, fostering discussions about risks and opportunities. Initially, this dynamic sustains the journey adequately. However, as time progresses, entrepreneurs encounter challenges in finding mentorship. This difficulty arises not only due to the scarcity of mentors but also because recognizing the opportune moment to seek guidance can be elusive. It's imperative for individuals to comprehend and value the significance of diverse perspectives. These perspectives play a pivotal role in guiding decision-making processes, crafting effective risk management strategies, and navigating through the complexities of business.

I have often considered this as one of the roadblocks in my career. But seems as normal as a splinter. Asking others perspective on the same really helps one out. But do make sure you ask superior & junior for their perspective. We often tend to ask people on our same stage but my experience says otherwise.

Failure isn't merely an outcome to avoid; rather, it's an indispensable component of the entrepreneurial journey. In entrepreneurship, problem-solving isn't always straightforward, and being too averse to failure can stifle innovation and risk-taking. I believe that acknowledging the potential for failure is crucial for fostering a culture of experimentation and learning within an entrepreneurial environment. Failure offers invaluable lessons that can inform future decisions and actions. Embracing failure not only promotes resilience but also facilitates continuous improvement and growth. Therefore, I agree that understanding the role of failure is vital for long-term success in entrepreneurship.

En una ocasión un amigo que había trabajado en Estados Unidos por 10 años me comentó la diferencia entre un jefe norteamericano y uno colombiano, cuando un integrante de su equipo comete un error considerable. El jefe norteamericano le dice: Tu entrenamiento me ha costado las consecuencias de este error que cometiste. Sigue trabajando y hazlo mejor la próxima vez. El jefe colombiano es muy factible que lo despida porque cometió ese error. Lo malo de esa decisión es que si no implementan un proceso de inducción de quien lo reemplace, van a seguir despidiendo a nuevas personas que los reemplacen, incrementando los costos de búsqueda y selección de muchas personas.

Boosting confidence as an aspiring entrepreneur involves a multifaceted approach. Firstly, gaining knowledge about your industry and business fundamentals can instill a sense of competence and preparedness. Setting clear goals provides direction and milestones to work towards, boosting motivation and confidence along the way. Networking widely exposes you to diverse perspectives and potential opportunities, building a support system and fostering confidence through connections. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity reframes setbacks as stepping stones to growth, enhancing resilience and self-assurance. Additionally, practicing self-care nurtures mental and emotional well-being, essential for maintaining confidence amidst challenges.

Failure is not a setback but a stepping stone to mastery. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Analyze past failures, extract valuable lessons, and apply them to future endeavors. Remember, every misstep brings you closer to refining your problem-solving abilities.

Prioritizing problems is vital being an entrepreneur or an employee with multiple tasks. If you work by yourself, first solve any legal or compliance issue, then go for the rest depending on the importance of economic return

Have clarity about the kind of business and the kind of team that you want. If you want your business to grow and scale, then you have to be intentional about empowering your people to do certain things, but not before they're ready and have some level of competency too. Have a feedback session afterwards to give them tips on how to improve and what they did well. If you want to be the most useful person in your business, prioritize your problems using the Johari Window and focus on Quadrant 2 (important but not urgent).

Una manera fácil de comenzar a priorizar sobre cuál proyecto seleccionar por su nivel de importancia, de un listado de varios por ejecutar, es comparar un proyecto o iniciativa con otra y se hace la pregunta: ¿Cuál de los dos ayuda más a la solución del problema o a la finalización del proyecto? el que se elija de esos dos, se compara con el siguiente, formulando la misma pregunta. De esa manera, al final de haber comparado diferentes pares de iniciativas, se va a tener claro cuál es el proyecto más prioritario.

Es fundamental optimizar esfuerzos. Existen problemas que requieren un tratamiento urgente, que no pueden esperar. El problema es creer que se puede resolver todo, solo por el hecho de contar con las cualidades para hacerlo. Es necesario que exista un enfoque claro, para poder destinar el resto del tiempo en aspectos más importantes. Además, es fundamental formar a un equipo con la capacidad de abordar los problemas y darles el poder, para que también puedan estar en condiciones de dar los mismos resultados.

Aus meiner Erfahrung zum Thema "Problemlösung" empfehle ich die Priorisierung der Probleme. Es ist entscheidend, nicht in der Lösung kleinerer Probleme zu versinken und dabei das große Bild aus den Augen zu verlieren. Durch regelmäßige Bewertung und Einstufung von Problemen nach ihren Auswirkungen auf Ihre Ziele können Sie sicherstellen, dass Ihre Bemühungen mit Ihrer langfristigen Vision für den Erfolg übereinstimmen. Erkennen Sie, dass nicht alle Probleme gleich sind, und investieren Sie Zeit und Energie entsprechend ihrer Bedeutung. Ich wünsche Ihnen ganz viel Erfolg.

Complex problems often demand simple solutions. Resist the temptation to overcomplicate matters and strive for clarity and simplicity in your problem-solving approach. Break down intricate problems into manageable components, enabling you to devise practical and actionable solutions.

Eines habe ich stets beherzigt. Es muss nicht immer schwer und langwierig sein, eine gute Lösung zu finden. Je schwerer die Lösung zu finden ist, desto schwerer ist sie auch umzusetzen. Entscheidend ist, dass diejenigen, die eine Optimierung benötigen, beim Finden dieser auch aktiv dabei sind und ihren Beitrag zum Erfolg leisten. Lösungen sollten stets einfach und umsetzbar sein. Bitte verkomplizieren Sie weder das Problem noch die Lösung.

Cuando estudié el modelo experiencial de aprendizaje me ayudó mucho conocer las cuatro etapas básicas para aprender haciendo: 1- Hacer la actividad, así no se tenga mucha destreza en ella. 2- Identificar qué sensasiones y sentimientos internos tuve mientras realizaba esa actividad. 3- Analizar el proceso que tuve bien sea solo o en equipo y resaltar qué se hizo bien y que se puede mejorar. y 4- Para cerrar adecuadamente elciclo de aprendizaje, es MUY importante reflexionar acerca de qué aprendizajes tuve durante las fases anteriores. De esa manera incorporo esos aprendizajes a mi saber-hacer y puedo iniciar un nuevo ciclo de aprendizaje.

Boosting confidence as an aspiring entrepreneur involves a multifaceted approach. Firstly, gaining knowledge about your industry and business fundamentals can instill a sense of competence and preparedness. Setting clear goals provides direction and milestones to work towards, boosting motivation and confidence along the way. Networking widely exposes you to diverse perspectives and potential opportunities, building a support system and fostering confidence through connections. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity reframes setbacks as stepping stones to growth, enhancing resilience and self-assurance. Additionally, practicing self-care nurtures mental and emotional well-being, essential for maintaining confidence amidst challenges.

Wer bei einem Marathon gleich zu Beginn mit Höchstgeschwindigkeit losläuft, der wird nach einiger Zeit nicht mehr weiterlaufen können. Beim regelmäßigen Nachdenken verhält es sich ähnlich. Wenn Sie "loslaufen", so nehmen Sie sich die Zeit immer wider inne zu halten, nachzudenken, zu prüfen und ggf. zu optimieren. Sprinten Sie nicht durch Ihr Projekt, denn die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass Sie etwas vergessen haben ist sehr groß. Ich wünsche Ihnen ganz viel Erfolg.

Self-reflection is the cornerstone of continuous improvement. Set aside time to introspect on your problem-solving strategies, successes, and shortcomings. Assess what worked well and areas for refinement. Regular reflection enhances self-awareness and facilitates iterative refinement of your problem-solving skills.

Honest personal and professional reflection is the foundation of authenticity and understanding. A successful problem solver can very easily over generalize their skill set and become a bit aggressive or intimidating. why else would they also be called Fixers. Reflection on one's failures as well as successes, is the starting point for developing both the personal and professional discipline to actively practice self-awareness. Entrepreneurs are by definition problem solvers but they must also function productively as a part of many teams. An honest bare bones understanding of one's skill set is foundational to growth, learning, and ultimately professional success.

When Starting a Business Prioritizing sustainable growth from the outset helps businesses not only navigate initial growth but also establish a base for long-term success without compromising the integrity of operations. In simpler words, ensure that as you create the business begin to think about where you want to be about your sustainable practices, even if they are not set today. It’s a vital element of the future of businesses. Consumers today care about your sustainability and the impact you're having and or not having on the environment and organization. You also want to ensure they are practices that can grow with, aka “scale". The balance is the takeaway here. Know that sustainability has two meanings now, and both are vital.

Acredito que resolver problemas se aprende resolvendo problemas. Simples assim, o que não quer dizer que seja fácil. Vejo muitas críticas a formação formal, incluindo empreendedores que admiro como o Flávio Augusto criticando a universidade e estimulando pessoas a não fazê-la. Grande parte de minhas habilidades em resolver problemas desenvolvi resolvendo problemas de diversas naturezas na educação formal. Criatividade é fundamental para pensar em maneiras mais simples e eficientes de resolver problemas. Então o conhecimento interdisciplinar ajuda muito a fazer paralelos, conexões e ter insights. As ideias não vem do nada.. precisa estudar muito para ter uma "boa sacada".