A solutions focus to executive leadership challenges
Read time: 1 - 2 mins
A solution-focused approach can transform your leadership style and team dynamics. This approach shifts focus from past problems to future possibilities, empowering your team to find their own solutions.
Implementing a solution-focused approach
1. Ask powerful questions:
What would success look like in this situation?
When have we overcome similar challenges before?
What small step could we take today towards our goal?
2. Focus on strengths and successes:
Start meetings by discussing recent wins, no matter how small.
3. Set clear, achievable goals:
Break larger objectives into manageable tasks.
4. Encourage solution talk:
Guide conversations towards potential solutions and away from analysis of past problems.
5. Celebrate progress:
Acknowledge every step forward to reinforce positive behaviour.
6. Practice active listening:
Reflect back team members' words to show understanding.
7. Use scaling questions:
On a scale of 1-10, how close are we to our goal?
What would it take to move up one point?
Making it a daily habit
Incorporate these techniques into regular interactions – one-on-ones, team meetings, and casual conversations. Your role is to facilitate your team's journey towards finding their own solutions.
By consistently applying this approach, you'll foster a more proactive, positive, and resilient team culture. Instead of asking ‘Why did this problem occur?’, you'll be guiding your team to envision ‘What would success look like?’
Start today by choosing one technique to try in your next team interaction. You might be surprised at how quickly you see a shift in your team's approach to challenges, leading to more innovative solutions and a more empowered workforce.