THE CATALYST: The Anatomy of a Problem Solver

By Felix C. Veroya

This week has been a busier week compared to the other weeks. I have been running exclusive training and mentoring for our sustaining and new clients. During one of the sessions, a group of senior management members asked me this, “What makes up problem solvers like yourself?”.

As part of the guiding principles that I teach my mentees, I provided them with these answers.

1. Head for figures. We, problem solvers, make sense of data. We use data to generate insights and use them as the basis for our decisions. Graphical and statistical tools and techniques are part of our toolbox.
2. Eye for details. Though it is required for us to see the bigger picture, focusing on details is also as equally important. We use the details to understand the sources of the problems through root cause analysis and continuously asking the question, “Why?”.
3. Wide reach. Most of cases, we do not have people under our command in the organizational structure. We act as independent contributors. The challenge is how to encourage people to follow what we are telling them without the power but with our sense of influence.
4. Walks the talk. Problem solvers deliver results. Once the problem has been identified, we make sure that we translate them into value for the organization at large. We close the difference between where are we now and where we should be and that translates to benefits.
5. Shouldering responsibility. Being a problem solver also means we are project managers. We cover projects left and right and it is our responsibility to effectively manage the projects to achieve their set objectives from initiating to closing.
6. Emotional intelligence. A problem solver acknowledges that tools and techniques are important as well as the essential component called emotional intelligence. By understanding the dynamics of the team, we can create more value in the problems that we do. This is brought about by the optimization of the team members’ strengths aligned to the objectives.
7. Solid footing. Before anything gets too complex, problem solvers recognize that it will all go back to the basics. With a good understanding of the basic operating principles and models, we can navigate and thrive in the complexities.

Sharing these characteristics that problem-solvers like you and me must possess.

Let’s continue to be #significantlybetter problem solvers, together!

Do you want to talk? Get in touch with me thru fcveroya@asklexph.com.