To solve a problem first ask: is it a tame, critical or wicked problem?
What is the biggest problem that you are facing now?
How would you define that problem? Maybe you have not even thought to define it, you are simply getting on with trying to solve it. But, research shows, that it is important we understand the nature of the challenge in order to bring the right solutions to bear.
As John Dewey put it:
“A problem well-defined is a problem half solved.”
Let me share some wisdom that has really helped me in problem solving.
You may well have heard people talk about ‘wicked’ problems. This phrase comes from a useful…
If you do not understand the true meaning of power, then you could be undermining your success
Studies show that you could well be wrong about the concept of power. Answer these two questions and you will see:
- Do you think you are powerful?
- If you had more power, would you use it well?
Hold that thought and read on. Whether you are thinking correctly about power is largely dependent upon the answers to these two questions.
You are likely to have answered no to the first question. To the second question you are likely to have answered yes. If so, then evidence suggests that you are probably wrong on both counts.
Do you think you are powerful?
Before we decide if we…
Sage advice for leaders from an entrepreneur, best-selling leadership author, and Master Executive Coach
Nick Chatrath is an entrepreneur, Managing Director and Master Executive Coach. He has worked for McKinsey and Company, been a business founder and a CEO. He has a DPhil from Oxford University and has co-authored a best-selling leadership book. He has coached MBA students, politicians, special forces soldiers and CEOs. In other words, he knows what he is talking about!
Apart from being a serial over-achiever, he is also my coach and friend! Here are some key lessons that I have learned from my discussions and coaching with Nick.
Leaders need to take time to reflect
When you speak to Nick you realise that being is at…
Acts of leadership are more important than leadership roles
Here is a challenging thought: what if there are no leaders, just acts of leadership?
We often think about leadership as a role, but maybe this designation misses out on large aspects of what leadership really is.
It makes us question how we define a leader. What is leadership? Is it an identity, a measure of influence or the impact we have?
Leadership as identity
So what? What if there is no such thing as a leader?
The first time I heard this, everything inside cried out no! There was a rebellion at the very idea. After all, I am a leader. …
The Right Questions
Ask the right questions, get the right answers, be more effective
