Handling problems effectively and before they grow.
Listen here
This can be something that is too often overlooked while the issue grows, as opposed to handling both effectively and proactively to prevent them from escalating.
Here are some strategies to help you to manage challenges before they grow.
First of all, identify problems early, paying attention to potential issues as soon as they arise. If something feels wrong or there are small signs of trouble, address it promptly. Regularly check in with colleagues or team members. Open communication helps you identify problems in their early stages.
Understand the root cause and don’t just focus on symptoms. Dig deeper to understand the cause of the issue. Is it a process problem, a communication breakdown, or a resource issue?
Evaluate how big the problem really is. What are the consequences if it’s not addressed now? This helps you prioritise its urgency. Where needed, get others’ perspectives. Sometimes you might be too close to the issue. Ask for advice or insight from colleagues who may have experienced similar challenges or have expertise in the area.
Work with relevant team members to brainstorm potential solutions. A collective effort often leads to more creative and practical resolutions.
Focus on what matters most, not all problems need immediate resolution. Determine which issues require quick action and which ones can be addressed later. If a problem has many components, focus on the 20% that will solve 80% of the issue.
Once you have identified the problem, develop a clear plan to address it. Break the solution into actionable steps and establish a timeline. Often, even small changes can make a significant difference. Implement solutions as soon as you can.
Reflect on the experience and after the issue is resolved, take a moment to analyse what went wrong and how it could have been avoided.
When problems arise, it’s important to stay calm. Problems are an inevitable part of work, but maintaining a proactive attitude will help you find solutions more effectively.
Address recurring issues by strengthening procedures, improving communication, and setting clear expectations. Foster a culture of continuous feedback, where issues can be raised early before they become big problems.
Take a few moments to reflect and by following these guidelines, you can handle work problems more effectively and reduce the chances of them growing into major issues.
Most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them.
Henry Ford
