THIS WEEK’S FOCUS:
Solve problems – GROW them
A few weeks ago I wrote about the need for leaders and managers to enable their people to do the thinking rather than to give them the answers; and last week we discussed a simple problem-solving method, G.R.O.W. This week I would like to share with you how you might combine these to good effect.
Most business schools teach leaders and managers to tell their people not to bring them problems, but rather to bring them solutions – but they don’t tell them how to implement this.
Using GROW (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward), you will find it useful to encourage your people to come to you with:
- G&R: The issue or problem they are grappling with;
- O: 3-5 options that they have considered;
- W: What they want to go with, and why.
This way, you will be able to check that they have the real issue, that they are on the right track in considering options (and that they should have extended themselves a bit), and whether their solution would work or not – even if you had a different solution in mind
And every time they apply this, they are doing the learning and the thinking – so be consistent in expecting them to do so!
Monday Morning Perspective: “Any organisation develops people; it either forms them or deforms them.” – Peter Drucker
Kind regards,
Lauron
