“I am not here to solve the problem”

Nowadays there is a very popular phrase among scrum masters and delivery managers, which is the title of this article. How do you feel when someone leading a meeting says:
I am not here to solve the problem
Delivery managers or scrum masters or project managers whatever the title is, they started using this phrase in order to make the audience feel responsible and accountable for what needs to be done. They assume using this phrase would help them to make everyone in the meeting room to get the hands dirty and start working immediately. This is a very useful and effective way of management, if we were living in 90s. However, in today’s world we are working with a new generation who works with leaders and not with managers. You can only lead by example in today’s projects and this only happens if you try to solve the problem like everybody else in the team. It doesn’t mean you have to be as capable as everyone in the team to solve the problem but you have to be as eager, even the most eager to find a solution and yes, you have to get your hands dirty for a while in order to lead by example.
In the words of physician and philosopher Dr. Albert Schweitzer, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”
In order to lead by example, these are the things that might help you;
1. Take responsibility
You should take responsibility and show that you are accountable for the results. This way the team members will also take responsibility and they will feel accountable too. If you take an attitude of “it will all be on you”, they will also find others to blame.
2. Be transparent
Be transparent about everything including your failures. Being transparent, even when it is risky, creates trust and good will with people. It’s a common misconception among leaders that they should have all the answers. But guess what? Your team doesn’t expect you to be perfect. Using failure or setback as a learning opportunity is a powerful example to people. It makes it OK for your team to do the same and defines failure as part of the process of innovation. Conversely, if you never accept failures, the people around you may not be comfortable admitting it when things are not going well.
3. Don’t give up
Setbacks happen to every business, every team and every leader. Role model how to deal with setbacks by reviewing progress and trying a different tack. In doing this you will demonstrate to your team that obstacles don’t mean giving up.
4. Find solutions
Analyse the problems and move into defining the solutions. Don’t be the first to offer up solutions, but ask thoughtful questions of your team to draw out their insights and ideas and try to add value to offered solutions as much as you can to show your passion.
5. Never say “I am not here to solve the problem”
Once this is said, you will lose the trust and confidence.
6. Instead say “I will put my all to help solving the problem”
Once this is said, you are one step closer to creating a team.
