How Leaders Solve Problems

“We don't spend a lot of time thinking about how we breathe. We just do it,” says Jamie Flinchbaugh. “But then we find out, whether we're training for sports or meditation or other things, that there's more to learn about breathing. And when we are thoughtful about it, we can do it better, more usefully.”

Solving problems as a leader is similar to breathing, says Flinchbaugh. Leaders take it for granted that they can solve problems in the usual way. They’re often on autopilot, and they forget to think about their roles–and the roles of others around them–in solving problems, which can lead to a “cascade of errors.”

Jamie Flinchbaugh is author of the book People Solve Problems and the host of a podcast by the same name. He acts as a trusted advisor and thought partner for leaders through his firm, JFlinch. Jamie joins Daniel and Peter on this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast to talk about how leaders solve problems, some of the mistakes they can make, and how they can improve. 

Tune in to learn:

• The three roles of leaders as they solve problems
• The importance of curiosity and uncomfortable learning in problem-solving
• Why designing for optimal circumstances is a bad strategy for problem-solving

Join us for this practical and insightful discussion.

In this episode:

0:55 – Introduction: Jamie Flinchbaugh

1:44 – What Do Leaders Get Wrong?

6:23 – Leader Role #1: System Architect

17:44 – Leader Role #2: Culture Builder

31:46 – Leader Role #3: Shaper

36:56 – Lightning Round

Jamie Flinchbaugh’s Website

People Solve Problems Podcast

People Solve Problems book on Amazon.com

Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:

• How to Prioritize Your Work
• The Difference Between Important and Urgent
• The 10 Tenets of Calendar Management
• The Accountability Scale
• Four Keys to Creating Accountability
• 4 Ways to Encourage a Growth Mindset Culture
• You Do Need an Ego! But How Much?

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