I ran a great session on Change and Problem Solving with a fun bunch of professionals last week. Shout out to #WoltersKluwer #Nashville !!
One of the most popular take-aways was using the problem-solving model, “The 5 Whys”, as a way to have more effective feedback conversations with team members.
Here’s how it works. When there is an issue, uncover the true problem by asking "why" no fewer than five times.
Issue: Bart is often late for work.
1. Why are you late, Bart? Traffic is bad.
2. Why? 'Cause I have to get on the Always-Backed-up-Highway.
3. Why? 'Cause I drop my daughter off at daycare across town.
4. Why do you go to that daycare? 'Cause it’s closer to my wife’s office and she picks our daughter up at the end of the day.
5. Why? ‘Cause I don’t get out of work in time to do pick-up.
Spot any solutions yet?
Now you can put your problem-solving hat on and work collaboratively with Bart to create focused solutions, rather than assuming a bad attitude, or tips on navigating traffic or buying alarm clocks!