The Manager’s Dilemma

Most employees can identify problems, but many struggle to solve them.

Often, employees ask team managers to answer questions or fix problems they should resolve on their own. These employees can identify problems, but can’t solve them, in marked contrast to managers, who usually are good problem-solvers because they have to be. 

An employee's inability to figure things out and to fix local problems has a negative impact on their team’s productivity. Team members waste their manager’s time when they expect the boss to set aside managerial tasks and ride to the rescue.

In this context, a problem usually relates to an unresolved interruption or delay in the team’s work that impedes its ability to attain its goals. For their employees’ welfare, as well as their own, managers need to coach their team members to develop problem-solving skills, so they can discuss and tackle these issues themselves.

Your employees want you to solve problems; instead, teach them how.

Managers who try to solve employees’ problems can create an unfortunate pattern in which staff members don't take ownership of the issues...