How effectively will you solve problems this week?

“Problem solving is the essence of what leaders exist to do,”

says Glen Llopis of Forbes.

The best problem solvers realize that it’s a skill they need to build and refine constantly. In my new ebook, 4 Keys to More Effective Leadership Behaviors, you’ll find this self-assessment to determine which areas of problem solving are strengths and which one’s you can build your skills in. Read each of these statements and mark what you feel like your competency level is in each of these areas.

Give yourself a ranking from 1 – 10.

1 would be saying that you rarely exhibit this behavior or belief, 10 would be that you always, without exception, do.

_____ When faced with a problem do you consistently widen your options

_____ Frequently test your assumptions

_____ Effectively have implemented the solution that was decided on

_____ Utilize a long-term, rather than a short-term emotional approach to problem solving

_____ Consider your blind spots when it comes to task or people when solving a problem

_____ Consider your super powers versus your weaknesses when it comes to solving problems

_____ Prepare to be wrong or fail when implementing the solution you’ve decided on

_____ Consider unintended consequences of the solutions you will implement

To execute the behavior of effective problem solving, or any of the other behaviors I mention in the ebook, leaders must first possess these core competencies in order to execute the top 4 leadership behaviors successfully:

• Building and maintaining trust

• Effectively designing their time for themselves and their organization’s highest level outcomes

• Obtaining knowledge, understanding and different viewpoints of their industry, organization, and departments they serve

• Developing a clear vision based on identifiable, organizational and personal values