Posts Tagged problem solving

“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question.   I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”   Albert Einstein

Asking powerful questions is at the core of what we do as OD consultants and coaches.

Slowing down to allow for the question can be a challenge.   When I am engaged in building a relationship I often want to jump to conclusions and make comments.   I know my extroverted intuitive personality type makes this especially hard — but of course, never an excuse.   We need to understand our limitations and challenges before we can effectively work in teams and successfully solve complex problems.

Action Learning

As a team coach I help by reframing the questions people might be asking to avoid assumptions and to help them to become question askers themselves.  It is important for working teams to be inclusive with a diverse membership as they explore and identify the problem.   Sometimes this can take hours.  It is a process of SLOWING DOWN and asking questions rather than making comments. A qualified facilitator or coach can help teams to make this transition in a safe environment.   With practice this can become a more natural and desired process before jumping into potentially the wrong action.