The Manager's Dilemma: How to Empower Your Team's Problem-Solving (Performance Development Series)

This incredibly clear and well-structured book on the subject of problem-solving and the complex area of how to develop this skill in your team is a must for anyone who manages people. It lays out a simple and detailed framework that is easy to follow, showing how to diagnose the myriad of issues involved in problem-solving and how to go about the complex business of developing each individual team-member’s competency in the area. As an executive coach working with managers and leaders on a daily basis, I see how time-starved managers are and high levels of stress are the order of the day to meet organisational objectives, this little book is a must.The language is, thankfully, free of ‘management-speak’, giving clear examples of a wide range of issues amongst individual team-members, and by using the ‘manager as coach’ approach to facilitate the manager’s development, set each team member’s developmental goal and, importantly how to have these oftentimes challenging conversations with each individual. I have rarely seen this approach illustrated so well.Added to this, the author seamlessly incorporates the SMART framework, further aided by the author’s re-engineered RAID technique of project management, what she calls the ‘PASOR Spreadsheet’, which is once again simple to use.Whilst it is easy to read, practical and engaging, it is clear that it is underpinned by sound theories and I particularly liked how the author incorporated areas such as EI (Emotional Intelligence), SDT (Self-Determination Theory of Motivation), how individual and organisational values impact behaviours, or not, amongst others to demonstrate to the reader that there will be issues beyond problem-solving skills that can inhibit progress.If you are involved in managing people and have a real desire to develop your people to grow and perform to their best—key to building a high performing team—at the same time free up some time and space for you to focus on more strategic issues – this deceptive ‘little’ book is for youHighly recommend!Marie Lord, Developmental Executive Coach & Coach Supervisor

Dynamic employees are often promoted without any concept of the new skill set required to succeed as a manager.While they may revel in the high octane kicks of problem solving, heroically stepping in to steer botched deliverables, in the long run this perpetuates a cycle of dependency within their team.Employing the SMART framework, the author focuses on the managers’ mindset to address these unhealthy behavioural patterns. O’Farrell clearly identifies the new competencies needed and explains how to develop or acquire them.She explains the importance of investing time looking at employee perspectives - how individuals are often deprived of the chance to discover creative solutions and why they often fail to fire on all pistons.The Manager’s DILEMMA reveals underlying static attitudes and behaviours that unwittingly hamper team empowerment. A direct quote from this book struck me as key to achieving this autonomy:“The more people have a say in how their work is organised,and solutions are implemented,the more motivated and engaged they are”Written in a fluid style with convincing case-studies, this publication is a critical read and highly relevant in the new hybrid work environment.

For anyone who's ever struggled with why their team can't solve problems and take up so much of your time, this is a Must read. Told in the Author's conversational style, it's easy reading but has a clarity of thought and structure that can immediately be applied and deliver results. The summary and prompts at the end of each chapter are great and excellent for making you reflect on your own situation. I found myself nodding in agreement so many times but also thinking, of course that makes perfect sense, why didn't I think of that before!

For me the mark of a good book is one that makes you think and reflect on your own style.It made me think about how to adapt my approach to match competency and coaching to empower.This is a well written book, with a clear and useful methodology, that encourages managers to stop solving everyone else's problems, whilst still being informed and avoiding treading on peoples toes.Every day should be a school dayHighly recommend.