Ops Insights #017 Enhance Problem-Solving Skills

August 11, 2023 | Read Time: 3 minutes | Written by Jenny Kleintop

Let’s dive into the art of effective problem-solving - a skill that not only identifies challenges, but also brings forth actionable solutions. As someone committed to making a difference, remember that presenting solutions can elevate your value within the team and the organization.

When I led teams, I taught team members to bring two solutions with them when they brought a problem to the table. This is critical thinking, which is a must in a philanthropy operations role. I say two solutions because when people have a choice, they feel like they are part of solving the problem.

The Power of Solutions

When I led teams, I taught team members to bring two solutions with them when they brought a problem to the table. This is critical thinking, which is a must in a philanthropy operations role. I say two solutions because when people have a choice, they feel like they are part of solving the problem.

Offer Choices to Empower Decision-Making

We respond better when we have choices, especially when it comes in the form of potential solutions. Similar to those times when you're asked, "Where would you like to eat?" How about instead, if you are asked “Would you like to eat at x restaurant or y restaurant tonight? This gives you options to choose from, so you don’t have to spend the energy trying to figure out options. It also makes you feel empowered that you are making the choice. Having options empowers us.

It is the same in philanthropy operations.

Consider a scenario: Your queue is filled with data requests for various donor lists with slight variations. You go to your leader for help. Instead of merely stating the bottleneck, suggest solutions that ease the process.

Scenario 1: "We have a bottleneck due to excessive requests."

Scenario 2: "We have noticed a bottleneck due to an influx of requests. For example, we received three requests this past week and the only difference is the donation amounts and funds. What if we streamline the process to eliminate the bottleneck?

  • I can create a self-service report for easy data retrieval to consolidate these requests into a single report, complete with filtering options for specific donation amounts and funds.

  • Or, I can run these three requests as one list and add a column that tells people which requests the data applies to and they can easily filter by that one column.

The second approach undoubtedly resonates with leaders. It's not about delegating the problem-solving to them, but rather offering a well-thought-out array of solutions. By adopting this approach, you become an indispensable asset to your leader, as you demonstrate initiative and save them from unnecessary legwork.

Leaders seek problem-solvers, individuals who bring forth solutions while understanding the bigger picture. In the realm of philanthropy operations, leaders want results without getting caught in the minutiae. By consistently offering solutions, you become part of their trusted circle, someone who doesn't just identify problems, but actively contributes to their resolution.

1.  Take steps today to embrace this philosophy of solution-oriented thinking.

2.  In addition to highlighting the problem, bring two potential solutions to the table.

3.  Offer choices to solve the problem, which is the key to empowering decision-making.

You’ve got this. Become invaluable to your leader, your team, and your organziation by taking steps to become a solution-oriented thinker.


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Ops Insights #018 Gift Processing and Finance

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Ops Insights #016 Sink or Swim