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HBR IdeaCast

How to Solve Tough Problems Better and Faster

Oct 3, 2023
Anne Morriss, an entrepreneur and leadership coach, discusses effective problem-solving strategies drawn from her book, co-authored with Frances Frei. She emphasizes fostering trust and transparency to accelerate decision-making and tackle complex issues. Morriss shares insights on creating a collaborative environment, the importance of clear communication, and honoring previous contributions in times of change. She also underlines empowering teams to swiftly implement solutions, removing obstacles, and balancing urgency with thoughtful leadership.
28:35

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Building trust and speed are crucial for solving hard problems.
  • Speed is an essential element in the change leader's toolkit, distinguishing between intentions and actual progress.

Deep dives

Building Trust and Speed to Overcome Problems

The key to overcoming problems is building trust and speed. The most effective change leaders focus on moving fast and fixing things. Building trust first establishes a foundation that allows for more effective problem-solving. Trust is not a static concept but something that requires continuous effort and self-awareness. While trust may take time to develop, it is essential for creating momentum in problem-solving. Speed is often undervalued but is crucial in addressing hard problems. It is the payoff for the hard work put into understanding the problem, building trust, expanding the team, and communicating the change. Speed is an essential part of the change leader's equation and distinguishes between good intentions and actual progress.

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