It’s time to retire the saying “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions.” Even though advocates of this approach believe it reduces whining, increases empowerment, helps employees manage up, and boosts careers, it’s fraught with challenges.
The Problem with Saying “Don’t Bring Me Problems, Bring Me Solutions”
Three ways to encourage a culture of communication.
September 01, 2017
Summary.
It’s time to retire the saying “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions.” Even though advocates of this approach believe it increases empowerment, helps employees manage up, and boosts careers, it’s fraught with challenges. Not every problem has an easy solution, and some require diverse points of view. Requiring solutions can breed a culture of intimidation, and prevent some problems from surfacing until they’re full-blown crises. Many managers demand solutions to avoid a culture of complaining. But you can encourage your team to communicate about problems in a more productive way. Follow these three steps:
- Make it safe. Modify your behavior so that people aren’t afraid to bring you bad news.
- Require problem statements instead of complaints. Train your team in how to communicate problems by providing facts, examining underlying causes, and describing everyone’s role in the issue.
- Find the right person or people to solve the issue. Coach the employee on how to tackle the challenge, or assign the problem to others who can help.
New!
HBR Learning
Team Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Team Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Build a better team and achieve more of what matters.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Team Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Team Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Build a better team and achieve more of what matters.