You're faced with a time-sensitive problem at work. How do you choose the right problem-solving approach?

How to lead often depends on the context. My rule of thumb is that the more urgent the situation, the more directive the leader may need to act. For example, in my experience, in a printing plant, a broken machine needs quick action to repair or replace a part to avoid a backlog and lost money. Even though urgent, a discussion with the engineer may be advisable--which is smarter, repair or replace the broken part? Hire experts and listen to them. More time allows more discussion and input from the team, so planning emergency scenarios early is advantageous. This is using the leadership spectrum. Time enables more collaborative leadership and, in most cases, results in better, quicker decisions when the situation requires urgency.

A good leader and manager must always have a good idea of what resources are available daily. Knowing this saves time when an urgent situation arises. Are people resources? Usually, your most valuable. Whether brains or hands, your staff does the daily work. As a manager, you lead or support, depending on the situation. To foster initiative and ingenuity, lean toward letting staff fix an issue. Monitor and establish a deadline so you have time to review. If you always jump in first, you’ll earn a reputation as a micromanager. Staff ingenuity stagnates. “Why bother? Boss’ll fix it.” You’re teaching how to “task-up.” Take a breath and listen to their plan. They might not need you; so, you mentored them right. That’s a win!

In a race of time versus the effectiveness within the problem solving environment, most important driving factor would be realistic expectation/result. If the team has a clear understanding of the realistic target, it would save them the time spent in ambiguity and help them identify the tool that would decipher the problem and deliver the result without compromising the time factor.

Leader will lead by example and you yourself will have to have to believe on the solution. If you do not believe it to be the right one, no one else does either.

After most events, especially unexpected ones, always do a "hot wash." Or call it: "lessons learned." Capture lessons on paper and ensure the whole team participates and understands. Let your players talk, don't just assess their performance and judge, especially if you want future leaders. Your team's perspective can tell you how well you have communicated your priorities and intentions. Your goal isn't pointing fingers. Define the issue, solutions selected, and opportunities to improve. I usually try to cover three main questions: 1) what did we do that was great and we should do more of, 2) what was good we should continue, and 3) what didn’t work that we should stop or not repeat?

When faced with a time-sensitive problem at work, prioritize by assessing the problem's impact and urgency. Choose an approach that leverages your strengths and resources, such as using proven methods you've had success with before. Break down the problem into smaller parts to manage it more effectively and make quick, informed decisions. Involve key stakeholders for input and review the process regularly to adapt as needed. #ahmedalaali11