Employ Your Outer C.E.O to Problem Solve with Others

The previous post talked about our inner C.E.O, which helps us adopt a mindset that enables effective problem solving. You also have what I call an “outer C.E.O.” that gives you a frame for leading problem solving efforts.

Here’s how to employ your outer C.E.O. when leading a problem solving effort with others.

Contextualize
I’ve previously written about how context is king so I’ll keep it simple here. Basically, most leaders don’t automatically think to share their own contextual understanding - it needs to become a habit. Share the backstory so your team isn’t left wondering. Connect today’s efforts to the bigger picture. Reveal, at a high level, the related-but-unseen processes that are interdependent so your stakeholders know where they plug in.

Empathize
Empathizing when leading your problem solving efforts isn’t some touchy-feely exercise. It’s knowing your audience and seeing your own actions from others’ perspectives. How might they receive your message? Own your impact to the extent that you can. Have you shown that you understand their perspective? From where they sit, what do they need to understand from you to have alignment?

Organize
As you lead the problem solving effort, are you providing useful structure for the project? Do your stakeholders know where and how to find the information they need? Put simply, does the situation feel clear to your stakeholders?

Even if the problem is complex and gray, the premise and the process can still feel clear, and that will help your team be successful moving forward.

In conclusion, when you’re leading a problem solving effort, you can’t just think about solving the problem. You’re leading your team of stakeholders through a journey. The more you bring in context, tap into empathy, and provide a sense of organization, the higher quality work you’ll get from those whom you lead.