April 19, 2011 • Volume 2, Issue 8 • ISSN: 2154-3240

In This Issue

♦	Feature Article: Solving the Wrong Problem
♦	Ask Amanda: I know delegating is critical but no matter how many times I try, it always blows up, what gives?
♦	Practical Tips: Listen

Solving the Wrong Problem

Executives almost always identify themselves as “problem solvers.” You can see how habitual this behavior is when you’re speaking with a successful executive; often, before you can even finish a thought, the other person is giving you a “solution” whether you wanted one or not!

The ability to solve problems is critical but it’s important that they are the right problems. With increasing pressure to deliver more with less, too often we immediately start “fixing” whatever we think the problem is without doing our due diligence. Look beyond the obvious and the “symptoms” that are showing up. Listen to what others have to say and seek to understand what is really happening to determine the source of the actual problem.
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	Emotion causes action.

Practical Tips: Listen

Given all the outlets that exist for personal expression it’s ironic that people feel less “heard” now than ever before. One of the best gifts you can give another is giving them your full attention. It’s practical, too.

When you’re in conversation, really focus on the other person, stay in the moment, and seek to understand. Most people are so busy preparing their next thought that it’s amazing there aren’t more miscommunications. Confirm what you’ve heard and watch the reaction of the other person. It’s so rare to be fully heard that your partner will undoubtedly be surprised that you actually listened.
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I know delegating is critical but no matter how many times I give direction and ask people “Does this make sense?" so I know they understand their task, it always blows up, what gives? C.A., St. George, UT

It could be that you’re asking the wrong question. When you ask, “Does this make sense?” undoubtedly the person will say yes because you just explained it to them. However, when you’re not right in front of them, it probably doesn’t make sense!

Instead, have the person repeat back to you their understanding of the task to make sure they’re processing the information and drawing the correct conclusions.
read more

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About Us: Our Corporate Life LLC (OCL) is a company that offers a new system for reducing unnecessary workplace suffering caused by the organizational, interpersonal, and ethical issues of our time. It is founded on the belief that adhering to core human values and achieving business success are always compatible. Working with both companies and individuals, OCL helps create solutions that enable corporate employees at every level to optimize profits while enabling them to thrive in the corporate environment. OCL was founded by Amanda Mitchell to help meet the needs of people working in corporate America during this transformative moment in our nation’s history. The OCL system reflects her experience and insight gained from a 20-year corporate career working with Fortune 500 companies, and as an executive coach to senior-level corporate executives.