Determing if a problem is a puzzle or a mystery

Is the challenge you’re currently facing at work a puzzle or mystery? Think about it.When asked myself this question, I decided this was the most provocative insight I’d heard in a very long time. A distinction that can have a profound impact on how you approach your job and the results that you can expect [...]

How to evaluate a solution

Dear WW: I’m not making much headway on solving a bunch of problems that I’m facing at work. Any suggestions? SOLUTIONLESS
Dear SOLUTIONLESS,
Your email reminded me of Derek Pierson. He’s not a best-selling author, consultant or former corporate executive. He’s just a guy who was trying to rob a convenience store in Shreveport, LA. and was [...]

How to spot obstacles in your organization

Dear WW: I’m a new manager. I’d like to do a better job of removing obstacles for my people than the bosses I’ve had have done for me. Any advice? ANTICIPATION
Dear ANTICIPATION,
I’ll be the first to admit, there is nothing I like better than a dumb criminal story. Recently I came across what could be [...]

How to test your assumptions

Dear WW: My company requires that each salesperson develop projections for the coming year. I have a new boss and she ripped my forecast saying my assumptions were too rosy. But I based them on sales from last year, so they should be accurate. IT’S SAFE TO ASSUME I’VE GOT A PROBLEM
Dear Safe,
If you went [...]

Problem SOLVING, how to spot solutions at work

What is your strategy for identifying solutions that work? 
Your Rant: My team is great at spotting problems. The problem is, I’m not sure if they’d know a solution if it bit them on the butt. How can I get people to focus more on the solutions?
911 Repair:
Your e-mail reminded me of technology company that was [...]

Getting past a conflict

What is your strategy when facing a conflict at work? 
Your Rant: I’ve had a long simmering conflict with a coworker. I’m not sure how I should proceed. Can you outline some options?
911 Repair,
Recently I read about two Arizona nursing home residents who got in a fist fight. Luckily neither was hurt and after they were [...]

Solving problems at work

What are your strategies for solving problems at work? 
Your Rant: I read your recent column on identifying problems at work. I have no trouble identifying problems, but sorting out how I can solve them is another story.
911 Repair,
I think Jacob Wise can help you gain perspective on your dilemma. He’s not a business professor, [...]

We have problems problem solving at work!

Dear WW: I am constantly bringing issues to the attention of my boss and team and all I get are blank stares. How do you awaken people from their slumber and get them to focus on the important stuff at work?
Dear LAST,
Robert Reich, the labor secretary from the Clinton administration had an interesting observation [...]

Bland Bland Bland-My creativity is gone from work.

What’s your strategy for stirring creativity?
Your Rant: I heard someone say the only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. He was right. I’ve been doing my job for over ten years and it’s tough to get your juices flowing after that long. I don’t ever know where to begin. NOT JUICED
Dear [...]

Dangling in a difficult conversation at work-Save Me

How do you handle difficult talks at work?
Your Rant: I had a run-in with a coworker last week and now I need to sit down with her to clear the air. We haven’t gotten along for a while, so it’s not going to be easy. Any advice? 
911 Repair,
Your fax reminded me of a newspaper [...]