Leadership Tip of the Week: What did you do to fix it

The leader was on a 10-minute rant blaming the higher organization for issues their company was going through. It was their fault, not his — according to him, anyway.

Another leader cut into the rant and stopped it cold with one simple question: “What did you do to fix it?”

The leader did not have an answer and quickly decided to change the subject to try and take the spotlight off of him.

If you aren’t part of the solution, then you are probably part of the problem. Leaders have to be able to provide solutions to their boss or higher organization, especially when the situation or problem affects both parties. Leadership is a team sport.

One way to do this is by asking clarifying questions that can guide both parties toward joint solutions. Asking questions can help a leader sound like he or she is working toward a resolution as opposed to blaming or complaining.

Don’t be like the leader I described above. No rants, just solutions.

Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton