HBR On Leadership

How to Solve Your Company’s Toughest Problems

Jun 19, 2024

Frances Frei, a Harvard Business School professor and co-author of "Move Fast and Fix Things," discusses effective strategies for problem-solving in organizations. She emphasizes identifying the real issues and the importance of building trust and relationships. Frei introduces a five-step approach, including a narrative for solutions, and highlights tools like the 'Five Whys' for uncovering root causes. She also addresses inclusivity and the impact of subtle workplace indignities, promoting a culture of effective communication and collaboration.

32:35

Episode guests

Frances Frei

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Quick takeaways

Effective problem-solving involves identifying the root cause and prioritizing trust-based solutions.

Building trust through authenticity, logic, and empathy is key to rapid problem-solving and organizational progress.

Deep dives

Moving Fast and Fixing Things

Moving fast and breaking things was a popular approach for innovation, but Harvard Business School professor Francis Fry suggests a better strategy is to move fast and fix things. By uncovering the real problem, building trust, and promoting inclusivity, organizations can accelerate progress. Trust is essential, involving authenticity, logic, and empathy. Understanding the root cause of problems and prioritizing solutions based on trust are key steps in effective problem-solving.

Ruthless Prioritization Leads to Organizational Success

01:44

Champion Uniqueness and Inclusion

01:18

Moving Fast and Fixing Things

02:16

Intro

4min

Uncovering Organizational Challenges

11min

Uncovering Root Causes: Techniques and Tools for Problem Solving

2min

Navigating Workplace Indignities and Inclusivity

15min

Navigating Complex Business Challenges Through Leadership

2min

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “Move fast and break things.” But Harvard Business School professor Frances Frei says speed and experimentation are not enough on their own. Instead, she argues that you should move fast and fix things. (That’s also the topic and title of the book she coauthored with Anne Morriss.)

In this episode, Frei explains how you can solve any problem in five clear steps. First, she says, start by identifying the real problem holding you back. Then move on to building trust and relationships, followed by a narrative for your solution — before you begin implementing it.

Key episode topics include: leadership, strategy execution, managing people, collaboration and teams, trustworthiness, organizational culture.

HBR On Leadership curates the best case studies and conversations with the world’s top business and management experts, to help you unlock the best in those around you. New episodes every week.

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