How can problem solving skills help you understand your clients' goals in Executive Coaching?

It was beneficial in my coaching experience to lead my coachees into focusing on the real problem. If we are not careful, we could allow the symptoms and the financial repercussions to take center stage. I work very hard through layered inquiry to help identify the root cause or actual problem. To determine the problem, it is vital to ask the right questions, which can cause discomfort because a good answer cannot find a landing spot without a good question. Once the actual problem is unearthed, we ensure the coachee acknowledges it, and then we work through bite-size steps to address it, depending on the size and scope.

Questions, Questions, Questions. It's the only way to get at the right problem, the underlying problem. Anyone looking for leadership coaching will tell you what they want, but you have to dig deeper by asking questions about what they really need. the 5 "Why's" is a good method, or asking, "and what would that fix for you, or do for you" and "why is that important. Most of us think with our logic brain and believe we have the solution, but without digging deeper, you won't know the real problem.

As habilidades de resolução de problemas são essenciais para apoiar o Coachee a diferenciar interesses compatíveis, dos diferentes e dos opostos. Para cada caso temos uma resolução diferente, da mais simples para a mais complexa. É comum que num impasse a pessoa fique muito posicional, o que dificulta a criação de novos caminhos.

Problem-solving occurs the more we flex our thinking and thoughts, trying on first solutions to problems we have solved in the past to look for patterns to save time and energy. Being objective, practicing as often as possible, is a skill, as we may not be listening clearly to others input because of our own attachment to how it should be done. This yields a reactive rather than responsive solution.

Through my coaching experience, the key differentiating factor for the effective of a coach is their ability to spot the real problem. Not the symptoms but the root cause. By showing clients what’s really going on and explaining to clients their problems better than they can articulate the problems themselves solve 80% of the problem. Because once the problem is shown, solution becomes possible and achievable. We simply cannot solve a problem if you don’t even know what the problem is. And most coaching clients will bring to you a situation they are facing and they thought that is the “problem”. I call those the “symptom”. The real problem is between your two ears. It’s how our brain perceive things and the limiting beliefs created.

Problem-solving is so important because you need to be able to ask questions and identify the REAL problem. In addition, once you know the problem you need to be able to think through and brainstorm potential solutions. Within each solution think through the pros, cons, and potential outcomes.

In my experience there are many different layers to challenges that clients may be facing and some may be unknown to them. It is essential that coaches are able to pull off those layers with analysis, questioning and harder scrutiny than clients are able to do for themselves in order to provide significant insights and benefits to the individual.

Wenn Probleme auftauchen, - und es wird immer Probleme geben -, müssen Entscheidungen getroffen werden, um sie zu lösen. Ein Problem muss in alle Richtungen gedacht und analysiert werden, damit eine gute Lösung gefunden werden kann. Entscheidungen treffen und Lösungen finden gehört zu den Aufgaben von Führungskräften. Beides kann man trainieren und üben.

La resolución de problemas es fundamental en el coaching ejecutivo, ya que va más allá de abordar los síntomas para explorar causas fundamentales y sus consecuencias. Como coach, abogo por este enfoque, que no solo rompe con suposiciones habituales, sino que también impulsa el desarrollo de perspectivas y opciones diversas. Este proceso no solo culmina en la identificación de la causa raíz, sino que también facilita la creación de planes de acción concretos, el seguimiento de resultados y el aprendizaje continuo. En mi experiencia, este enfoque metodológico no solo evita la postergación y la evasión, sino que también previene la repetición de errores y maximiza las oportunidades de crecimiento y éxito.

Problem-solving is foundational in executive coaching for several reasons: It allows individuals to navigate complex challenges effectively, enhancing decision-making skills crucial for leaders. At Be2be-Coaching, we view problem-solving as integral to unlocking potential, fostering innovation, and promoting adaptability in the ever-evolving business landscape. “Every perspective counts�� By addressing and solving issues, executives can streamline processes, improve team dynamics achieve sustainable growth, empower leaders to approach obstacles as opportunities, built resilience, and driving positive change within themselves and their organizations.

Practice, practice, practice in consistent spaced intervals, year after year after year. Practicing all the different ways to think differently, and to detach from personal views on anything, as we know that all views are accurate and distinct to each human. Ancillary tools are valuable, however, the best tool is the development of conscious awareness above all.

Always assume that there's more to unpack before shifting into problem solving mode. The first thing your client brings up is rarely the root of their problem. It's tempting to jump right in, but you might find yourself deep in discussion trying to solve a symptom, not the real problem. Be curious. Be patient.

A fun and very effective way to improve your problem-solving skills is to keep expanding your range, for example, by constantly remaining curious about things outside your comfort zone or expertise. If you are an executive coach, it is a given that business acumen, understanding of organisations, strategic thinking and alike are a must. However expanding your curiosity outside that realm will make you a creative problem-solver because you will see different areas having different processes than the typical ones in business, which will nourish your mind. Examples: cooking, chess games, Greek or old Chinese philosophy, drumming classes, ... Whatever tickles your curiosity, dwell on it for a bit and you will be able to create new parallels.

fine-tuned skill in problem solving DEMANDS outrageous curiosity. you’ve got to be curious about EVERYTHING, because where everything is connected, everything also holds important info. it’s a skill to right-size what information needs to be picked up and examined…but you can’t do that BEFORE you get curious about what the info is. that’s just not wise. to lead at the executive level, you’ve got to think big picture AND understand the mechanics. so, your curiosity should make space for all of that, too. without a diversified approach to problem solving, you’ll continue to come up with ‘solutions’ that aren’t as dynamic as the problems we face in leadership.

During coaching sessions a good executive coach helps the client 1) Notice what might be happening ( seemingly and a little beyond that) 2) Name the constraints and resources they have or need 3) Move the client where they have the resources to commit to acting towards achieving their goals.

By applying problem-solving techniques in a systematic and client-centered manner, coaches can effectively guide individuals or teams through various scenarios, empowering them to address challenges, achieve goals, and enhance their overall performance.

I see a common thread between problem solving, coaching and quality improvement. If we are faced with a client that has tactical needs (e.g., time management) there may be an off the shelf system that will solve their challenge. In other deeper and more loosely defined challenges, we have to be super-curious and resist an desire to cut to a solution quickly. Some scenarios require careful exploration and probing to define the issue at hand. Be patient, thorough, and curious.

Unlocking the potential of problem-solving within executive coaching unveils a dynamic tool to comprehend and support your clients' objectives. Adapting your methods to their distinct needs, whether it's refining leadership, steering career shifts, or striking a work-life balance, amplifies the impact. Exploring their competencies, challenges, and values becomes the compass for crafting bespoke development plans, enriching your coaching influence by enhancing effectiveness and credibility in guiding them towards success.

The Importance of Recognizing the Real Problem in Coaching
Contrary to popular belief, problem-solving skills are not a requirement for coaches. However, the ability to identify the real problem is crucial. Clients often leave crucial details unsaid, which can be overlooked if the coach is too focused on finding a solution. By challenging the status quo, asking tough questions, and encouraging clients to explore creative solutions, coaches can have a more profound impact on the way clients approach their solutions to problems.

Problem-solving skills have no end meaning there is no sense of now you've mastered it and you have arrived. You may feel you are a good problem-solver at the moment because you are comparing yourself to people around you struggling more than you do but that skill today if it remains static, faster than you know, you are staying behind because we are in a world and environment that keep changing and learning at a pace rarely seen before. See problem-solving as an art. You keep exploring how to find new ways to go about it and at some point, you will enjoy it rather than seeing problem-solving skills as a tool.

I'm sharing here something for you to consider. As the Exec, are you looking to be given answers to the test or be guided and supported to decide on the best path forward in the situation? Having a coach who can read the situation and support you appropriately will create a meaningful and lasting relationship. It comes back to having clear expectations for each other. I have several clients who say tell me your thoughts and let's talk it through, others need to be challenged to learn and apply that learning to their business every day. Understanding the context of each situation will be key to the success of the relationship!

In the Coaching stance the coach is not the rescuer. A good coach knows to trust the coaches and uses powerful questions for the right solutions to emerge. That is where the true power of coaching lives. Yes a coach may offer examples of what others have done in similar circumstances or provide training, recommend articles and or provide other resources as means of support to unblock the clients. However the coach is not prescriptive, in this way Executive coaching is unlike Sports coaching.

The most important skill in problem solving is the ability to listen. Simply listen. My approach to finding solutions is to encourage my clients to do it themselves. Looking within first. If outside sources are needed (and they sometimes are) we can explore other scenarios, advice and examples from other places. Resourcefulness is more important than resources.