Let’s Talk Workplace Problem Solving

Instead of complaining about problems, try converting them into projects to improve your department.

Here are three tips for converting problems into projects.

Tip number one: don’t just accept the problem, be determined to fix it.

It can be tempting to complain about things that frustrate you instead of looking for a solution, but your team is looking to you, as the leader, to seek out changes that will improve the workplace instead.

Don’t just accept problems – become determined to fix them.

Tip number two: get the resources you need.

As a supervisor responsible for a production environment, you have access to tons of support staff, whether it be through your supply chain, your engineering department, or your Continuous Improvement Coordinators.

These resources are available to you and can be a huge asset, but if you don’t ask for the help you need you will never get it.

You own the results of your department, and therefore you are responsible for bringing in the resources and people who can help you succeed.

Tip number three: push through the obstacles.

Running into obstacles and problems is inevitable, and some problems can be very stubborn. They probably didn’t arise overnight, and they won’t be fixed in one day either.

It could be machinery-related, systems-related or supplier-related.

Don’t just stop when you hit an obstacle or roadblock. Find a way over it, through it, or around it, using the help that you have.

It might mean spending a number of days or weeks focused on this problem before you start to see some of the results you’re looking for, but in the end, solving those problems will help you be more successful as a leader, and help drive the performance of your department.