Many effective leaders undermine their potential when they try to solve every problem at work. It’s tempting, during busy times, to think of yourself as a solution machine that needs to fix everything as soon as possible.
That’s a trap that pulls you away from what you do best. In this episode of our Productivity at Work series, you’ll learn a strategy for when you should get help.
What Productivity Questions Does This Video Answer?
- How can I improve problem solving at work?
- When should I bring in an expert for problem solving at work?
- What is a leadership problem solving strategy?
Video Transcript for Don’t Try to Solve Every Problem at Work
You want to fix every problem but should you? Sometimes there’s a problem and your initial feeling is to fix it. You’re going to take the time to figure out how to make things right.
Occasionally though, you’re going outside your area of expertise. You’re having to learn stuff, try things for the first time, and you may not get very good results.
Here’s the thing. Your time is a valuable resource. As tempting as it may be to try to solve every problem, sometimes it’s better to bring in an expert.
This might be someone from within your organization. It might be someone on the outside. But they have the knowledge and expertise that you don’t.
They can solve the problem faster and better than you. Sometimes it is nice to learn something new. But in many cases, it’s better to go with the expert. Pass it off to them, invest in that person’s expertise, and enjoy the solution.
About This Video Series
Ken Okel’s ongoing Employee Productivity video series will make you more effective on the job. Every week, you’ll learn a new, easy to understand tip that you can use right away.
Got a productivity challenge? Let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming episode.
About Ken Okel
As a motivational speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit his video page.