Put the Issue down and step way!
Part 4 of a series on unlocking greatness in your business. Previously, I covered what makes a great Vision, how to surround yourself with great People and getting a handle on the pulse of your business through Data. This week I cover the 4th key component, Issue Component.
The only business that doesn’t have issues is one that has already gone out of business.
Having issues isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Its what you do with them that counts.
The first step in handling any problem is acknowledging that it exists.
Create an environment where it is not only OK, but it is expected, for people to put their hand up and say “we have a problem here and I want to do something about it!”
The leadership team capturing long term company level issues on an Issues List has already been touched on in my article on Vision, what I am talking about here is opening this up so that everyone across your business having access to an list for their area.
If appropriate, an issue may rise up to be addressed by the leadership team, but the majority of issues can and should be addressed by the team raising them.
After all, they are the people who have the context to understand why it is an issue in the first place.
Once you have added an issue to the list, you then need to do something about it.
When leadership teams are addressing issues within the organisation, it is not uncommon that most of the time is spent discussing the issues and not enough time is spent working towards viable solutions. It can be tough for teams to solve issues when they are trying to overcome fear of conflict, lack of focus, lack of discipline, lack of commitment and personal ego.
After all, how many meetings have you been to where people are asking “didn’t we talk about this last week?”
The Issues Solving Track™ overcomes these obstacles and helps leadership teams and departments get to the solution quickly.
The Issues Solving Track™ consists of the following steps:
1. Identify
Clearly identify what the real issue is. As many leadership teams find, the stated problem is rarely the real problem as the actual issue is typically found a few layers down.
A great way to do this is by using the “5 Whys” approach from Lean Six Sigma. By asking why is this a problem multiple times, you will dig down deep enough to uncover the root cause, or real issue. It’s not always a comfortable process and it can involve a great deal of discussion, however, once you’ve identified the real issue at hand, you can move on to the next step.
2. Discuss
This is where leadership teams spend most of their time when it comes to solving their issues.
The discussion step gives everyone the chance to say everything they want to say about the issue.
Everything is put onto the table in an open environment where individuals can feel comfortable discussing it.
3. Solve
The final step in the Issues Solving track, the solution step, is the conclusion or solution that usually becomes an action item that is assigned to someone to complete.
It typically ends up on a To-do list, and when the items are completed, the issue goes away forever.
It’s important to remember that solving issues takes time, but by handling them now, you can save time for every department, by getting rid of the issues that will only bring you down if they go unsolved.
To build a business that is destined for growth and opportunity, you need to solve issues for the long term in accordance with your vision.
Ready to strengthen the Issue Component?
If you’re ready to make positive change, the first step is to schedule a free 90 Minute Meeting. This session will paint a clear picture of the system and will help you decide whether to move forward with EOS®. Schedule a 90 Minute Meeting with Us today.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you have found ways to identify and address the issues that have plagued your business in the comments section below.