Get to the Root of the Issue

Identifying the root cause of problems rather than simply addressing symptoms is crucial for effective problem-solving. Many issues, such as lateness to meetings or poor performance, are often misattributed to superficial factors like hiring mistakes or laziness, when they may stem from unclear expectations, personal struggles, or inadequate resources. To understand these root causes, it's important to ask probing questions that foster emotional distance and objectivity. Questions like 'What would a great leader do in my place?' or 'If no one’s feelings were hurt, what would be my course of action?' can help clarify the situation. By applying this approach, one can uncover deeper issues, leading to more effective solutions and insights.