Episode 195: Great Problem Solving Comes From Critical Thinking (Leadership Development)

In this episode…

Problem-solving and critical thinking are essential skills for conflict resolution, yet they require problem-led leadership to execute. Leaders must navigate complex challenges while fostering collaboration and preventing team burnout. How can leaders refine these skills to drive actionable solutions and maintain a productive team environment?

While leaders and managers must direct their teams to identify the problem and its impact on the organization, they shouldn’t devise solutions. Instead, IT director Adam Gruszcynski suggests coaching your team to resolve the conflict by empowering them with critical thinking and problem-solving techniques. This may involve eliciting three diverse solutions and encouraging team members to think critically about the results or consequences. Communication and collaboration are essential to agreeing on viable solutions.

In the final episode of The People Strategy Podcast’s Leadership Development Series, Traci Austin and Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, discuss the interplay between conflict resolution, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Together, they explore strategies for prioritizing issues, ensuring transparent communication, and preventing team fatigue during prolonged problem-solving sessions.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

• Traci Austin on LinkedIn
• Elevated Talent Consulting
• Adam Gruszcynski on LinkedIn
• Potawatomi Casino Hotel
• “Solving Organizational Problems with Andrew Bartlow” on The People Strategy Podcast
• “Executive Coaching to Move Forward with Bobbie Sue Wolk” on The People Strategy Podcast

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[1:37] Definitions and examples of conflict resolution, problem-solving, and critical thinking

[5:22] How Adam Gruszcynski solves conflict at his organization

[10:24] Questions to facilitate critical thinking and problem-solving

[18:19] Adam’s problem-led leadership strategies

Quotable Moments:

• “You might create more problems because you’re trying to solve for all these things where you really don’t need to be focusing.”

• “Sometimes, just removing yourself from the problem for a little bit… is also a helpful technique.”

• “Problems can’t be solved quickly, and that’s okay. Sometimes, they might take a lot longer than you would expect.”

• “You have to set that clear boundary… making sure everyone involved… is on board; you have to do that, number one.”

• “If you don’t set new expectations, we’re going to wonder what’s going on and… be on you to ask for updates.”

Action Steps:

1. Define and clarify problems explicitly: Understanding the exact nature of a problem is crucial before attempting to solve it. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures all parties are aligned, reducing the risk of creating additional issues.
2. Utilize critical thinking to explore multiple solutions: Encourage your team to brainstorm various solutions before deciding on the best approach. This broadens perspectives and helps identify the most effective and efficient path forward, minimizing unintended consequences.
3. Implement a clear communication strategy: Consistent and proactive communication is key to resolving issues effectively. By keeping all stakeholders informed, you reduce the likelihood of conflict and ensure everyone understands the prioritization and status of problem-solving efforts.
4. Leverage technology and tools for prioritization: Tools like ITSM in the IT space help assign numerical values to issues, aiding in prioritization. This systematic approach ensures that urgent problems are addressed promptly while less critical ones are scheduled accordingly, optimizing resource allocation.
5. Build and maintain professional networks: Establishing connections, even when not actively hiring, can lead to a stronger talent pool and potential future team members. Networking broadens opportunities and supports continuous organizational improvement through shared insights and collaborations.

Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery.

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