Bringing Solutions

It used to be that bosses expected you to bring them problems (the role of manager was the role of problem-solver: you bring a problem, they solve it).

And it used to be that customers expected you to bring them a product or a service.

Expectations (along with pretty much everything else) have changed. Bosses don’t want problems (surprise!), and customers want more than products and services. Today, whether you are talking with your boss or with a customer, think solutions.

When talking with your boss:

Do your homework. Once you’ve identified a problem, do some research, formulate ideas, and narrow those ideas down to two viable solutions. Then, when you approach your manager with the problem, present those two solution options as well, complete with pros and cons of each. This way, your boss doesn’t feel you 1) are a “problem-oriented” person who’s waiting for him or her to do your job for you, nor 2) have usurped his or her role by making a decision without consulting him or her (of course, this all depends on the type of “problem” you’re facing. If it’s a matter that’s already your territory, decide and do it! Or if the problem is of an emergency nature, don’t wait—take it to your manager at once).

When talking with a customer or client:

Rather than do a cursory investigation of their situation and bring them a product or a service, do a thorough exploration of their needs, their challenges and their objectives, and bring a solution. Bringing a product or a service can limit your offering or at least their perception of its worth. Bringing a solution shows a focus on and a deeper understanding of their needs, will broaden the perception of its worth, and may actually broaden the offering itself.

As you think about the challenges and opportunities of the week ahead, focus on bringing solutions.