Paul Birtel Shares Creative Problem Solving Techniques

Leadership positions can be found in any career or organization. Although these positions may be available, Paul Birtel has noticed certain skills crucial to the development of a team. Without clear communication and effective strategies, the message is lost. Paul Birtel is an executive leader in Baltimore, Maryland. His focus on development and creative change has positively impacted a variety of businesses.

What Is A Leadership Role?

A leadership role in any company or group is designed to motivate and provide guidance. By inspiring team members or employees, a leader keeps a common vision alive. Using goal-oriented methods, this role influences the confidence of individuals and the success of a team.

Examples of leadership roles include working as a mentor, trainer, coach, manager, strategist, and communicator. Regardless of the industry, managing people is the key skill that is necessary. This can be done in several ways.

Delegation

One person should not be responsible for all the work. This includes the leader or manager. In any operation, there are specific tasks that certain individuals may be better at than others. To effectively save time, a person in a position of power can delegate specific tasks to those who qualify best. Paul Birtel believes delegating work is a sign of strength. A leader must know who is capable of handling which projects.

Positivity

Motivating others through positivity is a way to build esteem and create a healthy work environment. This can be done through compliments, rewards, and bonuses. Recognition for hard work will boost the team as a whole.

Communication

Communication is the single most important skill a leader must possess. According to Paul Birtel, communication is key to effective problem-solving solutions. A leader must clearly and concisely explain directions while listening to any concerns an individual might have.

How To Effectively Problem Solve

Communication involves more than just getting the point across. While directing others is part of the role, so is listening. When problems arise in any organization, a calm reaction that shows compassion is one way to generate creative solutions.

Problem-solving and decision-making are learned skills. Since nobody is born a leader, these issues involve practice. If a problem occurs within a workplace, many employees will experience initial anxiety. A leader must think through a problem instead of hiding or simply wishing it away.

Analyze The Problem

This may seem like a simple first step. While the issue may be clear, it can be difficult to tell why or how it happened in the first place. Without this information, a solution may only work temporarily. To properly assess what the issue is, listen to multiple people involved.

Gather The Facts

Facts are not opinions. When looking for a solution, hard data is usually needed. Data can answer several key questions such as who is involved, who does this impact, where it occurred, and how it happened. Data is provable information that can be easily measured and examined.

Reflect

Similar issues may have occurred in the past. Examining the past can give hints as to how to proceed. If somebody else has already taken the trial and error approach, this information is vital. Even if a manager or leader does not have personal experience with the issue, other individuals might. Asking for the perspective of others is one way of showing faith in the team.

Think Outside The Box

Creative solutions are usually nontraditional in their approach. Keeping an open mind will foster a positive attitude when first brainstorming. Encouraging ideas from everyone in the team shows support and can trigger other ideas. Collaborating on a creative solution is more likely to generate solutions.

Ask Challenging Questions

Asking questions is not the same as rejecting. By challenging certain solutions, potential setbacks can be avoided in the future. Open-ended questions that encourage additional suggestions are much more useful. Challenging questions are usually asked after the initial brainstorming session.

Consider The Resources

There may be limited resources available to solve a problem. Typical resources that can help include influential people, financial capital, and physical office space. Since many individuals have separate resources available, assessing what the group has should be discussed.

Types Of Problem Solvers

Individuals and groups respond to different communication and leadership styles. If one type of method isn’t working, there are other choices.

Sensitive Thinker

A sensitive thinker helps find a solution for all individuals. Considering individual needs, this type of leader is invested in the personal aspect of problem-solving. A sensitive thinker can easily put themselves in another person’s shoes. Problem-solving will likely come from a value system that the group respects.

Logical Thinker

A logical thinker explores all angles of the issue. By accurately identifying the problem, leaders like Paul Birtel can begin to explore a plan. Strategies are developed based on facts and information as well as potential outcomes. Logical thinkers also find strategies based on alternative solutions that may solve the specific problem.

Intuitive Thinker

Intuition plays a strong role in survival. An intuitive thinker has gut-level reactions that can help resolve issues fast. Many people who have strong responses to team problems are interested in the welfare of all involved. If factual data is not available, this approach can be highly effective.

The Basics Matter Most

Communication skills are essential in any group. When finding the best solution, a leader must be able to stay flexible. This involves considering each possible solution with a positive attitude. Active listening makes this practice achievable.

Knowing when to talk and when to listen will guide a conversation. To truly stay in the moment, leaders are advised not to interrupt. Once the other person has explained their point of view or idea, follow-up questions are necessary. This gives them a chance to elaborate while fine-tuning their ideas.

Creative problem solving is a process. Like all skills, this takes time and practice. By demonstrating patience and curiosity, an alternative solution is well within reach.