Which person regularly hands their problems upwards?
Leadership video
Don't Bring Me Problems. Bring Me Your Thinking.
Use questions to develop managers who bring observations, options and a recommendation instead of handing every problem upwards.
1. Watch2. Write3. Act
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After watching
Change the next problem conversation
- Require the thinking first
Ask the person to state what they noticed, what they think is happening and why it matters.
- Ask before advising
Ask what they have tried, which options they can see and what they recommend.
- Return the ownership
Agree the next action, name who owns it and decide when you’ll review what happened.
Write before continuing
Three questions for your next one-on-one
Choose one question to use before giving advice.
What question would make them examine their own options?
How will you leave the next action with them?
Helpful resources
Continue from questions to better conversations
Related lessonThe Leadership Mistake Making Difficult Conversations Harder
Prepare your thinking before the meeting and make more room to listen.
Open lessonLeadership Execution SystemOne-on-one and manager toolsSee the manager and employee resources in the Leadership Execution System.
Explore the contentsChristine's approachThe Corporate Talk TranslatorSee how Christine turns management language into a question, decision or action.
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