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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

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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.

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