When Problems Arise

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We’re fast approaching the fall, meaning in the coming weeks, those we lead will likely be coming to us with various challenges, dilemmas and conflicts they’re facing.

While the stream of decisions we must make in these instances can feel overwhelming at times, there’s a critical quote from former United States Secretary of State Colin Powell we’d benefit from keeping in mind.

“The day the soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership,” Powell said years ago.

The point is that it’s very easy to lament the amount of work we have or the fact everyone seems to be running to us to solve the crisis of the moment.  

But the fact that our team members are approaching us — and not someone else — means there’s a larger faith in our abilities, a belief that we can improve their situations and help them achieve an outcome they couldn’t on their own.

By the same measure, if those we lead are seeking out someone else for assistance when the onus should be on us, it often means we haven’t earned their larger trust and proven we’re competent enough to resolve their challenges.

Being reliable in these instances really comes down to two important components:

1. We have an established, non-transactional relationship with the person
2. We have a rare, in-depth knowledge that we can share

Ultimately, there will be scenarios where we don’t have the answers, where we may not be able to immediately provide actionable feedback or perfect solutions.

That’s O.K.

The point is if our team members see that we’re invested and committed to their larger success, they will frequently go the extra mile and give us the benefit of any doubt.

Problems don’t have to be viewed as a hindrance or a massive headache every time they arise.

Often, they’re an opportunity to showcase our real leadership prowess.

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