Solving Problems Without the Blame Game

When problems arise or things don’t go as expected, how does your team handle it? Do people start pointing fingers to protect themselves at all costs? Or does the team come together as a cohesive unit to get to the root of the problem to ensure it won’t happen again?

We are brought into companies all the time to discuss this exact issue. In fast paced, agile work environments things won’t always go as planned – and that’s not a bad thing. That means they are pushing the boundaries and experimenting with new or better ways of doing things. However, when that’s the norm, what safeguards do you put in place to make sure to protect the culture and morale of the team? It’s not the unexpected that people typically fear, it’s the repercussions that come after that can create waves.

When issues arise we ask team members to describe what happened situationally, not personally. This helps to mitigate the blame game and get right to the root of the problem. Next, we have them answer 3 very simple questions.

1. What worked?
2. What didn’t work?
3. What will you do differently next time?

These questions, although quite simple, are very effective. Green Beret’s ask these three questions after life or death situations to recap things like an all night firefight and we use these same questions to persevere through issues in the civilian world and in the work we do with businesses.

So why are these three questions so important?

1. What worked? This question is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the conversation. Too often people jump straight to the negatives of what didn’t work, but forget to acknowledge what did. When you ask yourself this question, it gives you the opportunity to prioritize what worked and put that into a process or system to ensure it works that way every time.
2. What didn’t work? Sometimes you experience a colossal failure and other times things just need to be improved upon or enhanced. Either way, asking yourself this question allows you to get it all out on paper so that you can close the open files in your mind and learn from your experience.
3. What will you do differently next time? Finally, take all of the information you just jotted down and put together a plan of action that buttons up all of the loose ends. I know you’re probably thinking, I will definitely remember to do that next time. Taking the time now to write out a plan will not only ensure it happens but will also save you time in the long run.

So the next time an issue arises, set aside 15 minutes while it’s still fresh in your mind and ask yourself these three simple questions. The added time it takes will pay dividends in the long run as you set yourself and your team up for even greater success.

Ready to lead your team through challenges with clarity and confidence? Start asking the right questions—and watch how it transforms your culture, your results, and your future.

Through our ELEVATE180 programs, your future becomes predictable. Transform your future by understanding yourself and your team in order to maximize your energy, capacity, and capability. If you’re ready to reach your fullest potential and unlock your Bigger Future, reach out to us. We’d love to schedule a call to explore how we can help you avoid burnout and elevate your success.

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