Leadership, creativity, strategic planning and problem solving

By Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey
						
"Leadership," says Peter Drucker, "is lifting a person's vision to higher
sights, raising a person's performance to a higher standard, and
building a personality beyond its normal limitations."

The foundations of leadership start with each person taking responsibility for their own actions as part of a group; and, in feeling confidant enough to suggest and accept revisions in team goals and performance.  

You might be asking, "What does leadership have to do with 'Creativity, strategic planning and problem solving?' "  Quite frankly, everything!  

If we are to successfully learn new styles of creative thinking and applied problem-solving, we must be willing to take personal leadership in using them in our own activities, and in the interaction with our fellow workers and clients.  

Peter Drucker also said,"Management is doing things right; Leadership is doing the right things."  Our goal in effectively handling problems, challenges and mistakes, is in our being able to cut thru to the root causes, and in our developing real solutions to put into action.   

My objective is to assist you in acquiring some new problem solving models, and introducing a few creativity tools that will help you in your personal life, career and interaction with your clients and co-workers.  We will work thru the problem solving process to outline solutions - workable solutions - solutions than can be implemented tomorrow morning.

Additionally, I hope to help you discover a new approach to the problems you may encounter. I challenge you to see them as opportunities to grow and change the way you live or do business.  A wise man told me that; "My ability to earn would be directly dependent on my ability to solve problems."  For the most part, I believe this to be true.  In business, we are paid for our ability to solve our client's problems by the provision of services or products.   

Each of the tools and tips shared here can be applied in at least two directions: 

•	Problem solving
•	Strategic planning

"Effectiveness - often survival - does not depend solely on how much effort we expend, but on whether or not the effort we invest is in the right direction."  

It has been my experience that the tools we cover here can help you in the process of defining the direction, and outlining the process you need to successfully reach the goals you set, or in solving perplexing problems you encounter enroute.  

Some of the objectives set for us might be:

•	More accurate information - increased productivity by better communication
•	Effective coordination of activities - how do I fit in the big picture
•	Improving the flow of ideas - both internally (up and down) and externally
•	Facilitating the decision making process - being an agent of change
•	Training - cross training, uniform training, and to provide an interactive 
       forum (time permitting)
•	Building morale - encouraging teamwork and mutual support

Occasionally, we need to pause, gain a higher perspective to make sure we are still heading in the right direction.  Our efficiency can be misdirected, if we are not going where we want in pursuit of our goals. Find out, Focus, Follow Thru!

One of the biggest lessons I've learned about problem solving is there is always a solution.  Often, there are a multitude of solutions. If your problem is industry specific you might want to talk to others in your industry and brainstorm answers, or bring it to your next Chamber of Commerce meeting.

The other lesson I've learned is I'm not the only one with a problem. Sharing a problem can lead to solving it.  Someone not directly involved in my problem may see a solution or thread that unravels it, because of the difference in his or her perspective or experience.  And because they are not emotionally involved!

I originally wrote the ‘Why didn’t I THINK of that?’ training program specifically, to provide my audiences with tips, techniques and creative problem-solving models that work in-the-real-world, in helping you set strategies for success for your career and organization.   

I've written also, because I believe in the information I present, and enjoy the opportunity to pass it on.  I want to see you succeed, and will do whatever I can to facilitate that process.  I want to see you use this information in your dealings with each other and in serving the needs of your clients. 

In my personal programs, I coach, cajole, confront, and confirm as necessary to keep your creativity flowing and keep us on track. In writing I hope to set the stage for similar results by encouraging you to work together in this process.

Copyright 2000-2002 Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey www.ideaman.net Bob’s Ideas At Work! have been successfully applied by 1000’s of professionals across North America.  He contributes to consumer and trade journals and is the author of 6 books.