Is Your Team Solutions-Oriented?

 

Is your goal to build a solutions-oriented team? Is your team already solutions-oriented?

This is a question that CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders should be asking themselves in this new global business environment.

As a result, the high-achieving companies and organizations that adapt and change will thrive in this new environment will be solutions-oriented and innovative.

The question you’re probably asking yourself is how can I tell if my team members are solutions-oriented? Let me explain why this is important.

Based on my experience working with world-class teams, I have identified specific characteristics that solutions-oriented people have in common. Here are the four specific characteristics that I have identified which will assist you in developing a solutions-oriented team and culture.

Four Characteristics of Solutions Oriented Team Members

1. Have a Can-Do Attitude

They have a can-do attitude and are self-starters. I can spot a winner from a mile away. They carry themselves differently and have that championship mindset.

These are the individuals who are ready and willing to step up and do anything they can for the team to succeed!

These individuals live by the words of the great NFL coach Vince Lombardi “If you’re early you’re on time… If you’re on time, you’re late… If you’re late, don’t even bother showing up”

2. Embrace Lifelong Learning

Solutions-oriented people understand and embrace the importance of lifelong learning. They know that when you stop learning you stop growing!

In fact, when interviewing a new team member, I always make sure to assess their attitude towards continuing education, including training and development.

You would be surprised at how many people already think they know everything there is to know about their job.

This should be a red flag if you’re looking to put together a solutions-oriented team. The best organizations in the world understand the importance of studying their competition and being one step ahead of the game.

They accomplish this through workshops, seminars and ongoing training and development.

Bill Gates once said, “Whether it’s Google or Apple or free software, we’ve got some fantastic competitors and it keeps us on our toes.”

Now he is the perfect example of a solutions-oriented leader!

3.The Ability to Stay Focused

When you’re looking to build a solutions-oriented team it’s critical the team members have an ability to stay focused under stress. Because they use critical thinking skills and focus on the root cause of problems, gives these individuals the edge in developing solutions that get results!

“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” — George Lucas

Strategic planning is crucial in setting timelines, goals and benchmarks to keep the team focused and on task. It’s the power of focus and trusting in the plan that allows these teams to excel even under the most stressful conditions.

4. A Solutions Oriented Team Can Adapt to Change Easily

Solutions-oriented individuals understand the importance of change and they are able to enter into what we call “The Adaptability Zone”. When a crisis hits or there is a downturn in business, they quickly take action while others wait because they are prepared. As a result their adaptability is enhanced and so are their results.

This is crucial to because if you don’t remove and repair the root cause of your problems your success will be limited.

Because of this they learn to adapt to the current circumstances while focusing on solutions and opportunities for the future. And the results speak for themselves. They are able to provide solutions to their clients and the organization can perform at world class level again!

Charles Darwin famously said “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

Start Building Your Solutions Oriented Team

starts with assessing your existing team members. Because it’s easier to enhance the skills of your present team members with coaching than to hire new team members.

If your present team members lack these characteristics its time to begin the hiring process targeting individuals who do!

In an ever-changing business environment the ability to adapt to change is a crucial ingredient for success. These four traits are the essential building blocks for developing a solutions-oriented team and culture in your organization.

It’s not easy developing a solutions-oriented team and building a culture of people who are focused on the big picture. Providing solutions that get results takes time, patience, and focus and I can tell you it’s worth every minute!

Hiring Solutions Centric Employees

If you have to rebuild your team solutions centric employees should be at the top of your list. Someone with a solution-centric mindset approaches challenges with a focus on solutions and outcomes.

This is important because they don’t quit when they face setbacks or changes in the business environment. Solutions-centric individuals don’t get caught up in the drama. They learn from setbacks and use them as a cornerstone for future success.

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