Helping Other People Solve Problems

As a front line leader, how much time do you spend helping other people to solve their problems?

Not the people who report to you -- their problems are YOUR problems, too. But, people around you, perhaps your peers, maybe your friends -- people who simply have tough problems that need help. How often do you help?

I remember with great fondness times that friends have helped me to solve problems. I was stuck, I was in over my head, didn't know what to do about basic problems (like repairing a car or getting a refrigerator up a flight of stairs) and friends have always come to the rescue.

Some problems are more complicated than that of course, and friends are invaluable then as well. Talking it through, exploring your options, even just letting words come out of your own mouth that you need to hear (a little like therapy?) help in hundreds of ways.

By proactively staying willing to play that role for others: to help them with our problems we not only quietly create a network of people who may be willing to help us -- we gain experience and knowledge that otherwise would pass us by.

The more we help other people solve their problems the easier it is to solve our own.

So the next time you hear someone gently call out for help, you know how to respond. Volunteer to help.

Who in your circle of influence is looking for help with a problem today?

-- Douglas Brent Smith

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