Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.
As enterprise house owners and leaders, we regularly encounter quite a lot of issues in our organizations, however not all issues are created equal.
I’ve discovered that almost all points fall into one in every of three layers, every requiring a distinct method to resolve. Beneath, I will break down the three layers so you may tailor your small business’s options to the appropriate drawback kind.
Associated: 2 Steps to Decide the Finest Potential Resolution to Any Drawback
Layer 1: Easy errors
For Layer 1 issues, a course of is in place, and the individual concerned is aware of precisely what they need to be doing. The difficulty right here is that they merely made a mistake. It occurs to the most effective of us — generally, we simply slip up.
When a Layer 1 drawback pops up, your first transfer must be to remind the individual of the proper course of. A fast, light nudge is usually all that is wanted to get issues again on monitor. These are the sorts of issues that may be mounted with a quick dialog or a easy reminder.
If this sort of mistake begins taking place recurrently, it is time to dig a little bit deeper. There could also be one thing else occurring — stress, disengagement and even burnout. In these circumstances, it is necessary to handle the basis trigger somewhat than simply the symptom. Constant Layer 1 issues may sign that the worker wants help, whether or not that is via higher time administration, extra frequent breaks or addressing any private points that is perhaps affecting their work.
It doesn’t matter what the specifics entail, it is best to handle a Layer 1 drawback shortly, ideally offering suggestions inside 24 hours. The earlier you handle it, the better it’s to course-correct and forestall the error from changing into a recurring subject.
Layer 2: Lack of knowledge
The second layer of issues is a little more advanced. For Layer 2 issues, a course of is in place, however the individual would not absolutely perceive it. This might occur for a number of causes — perhaps they’re new and nonetheless studying, or perhaps their coaching wasn’t as thorough because it ought to have been. Both means, the basis of the issue is a lack of know-how, not only a easy mistake.
The answer for a Layer 2 drawback is easy: coaching. Whether or not that includes a refresher course or sitting down one-on-one to go over the method once more, the purpose is to make sure the individual absolutely understands what’s anticipated of them. Coaching helps shut the information hole and equips the worker with the instruments they should succeed.
If a Layer 2 drawback retains taking place, it is a signal that your coaching supplies — or your coaching strategies — would possibly want an replace. Check out what you are instructing in comparison with the outcomes you are seeing. Are there gaps within the coaching? Are there sure elements of the method that workers constantly wrestle with? In that case, it is perhaps time to replace your coaching to raised meet the wants of your staff.
Whenever you’re addressing a Stage 2 drawback, purpose to share suggestions inside per week. This provides you sufficient time to reassess and retrain whereas retaining the difficulty recent within the worker’s thoughts. Additionally, take into account together with others who may additionally profit from the refresher. This proactive method may help stop comparable issues from arising with different staff members.
Associated: 5 Steps to Creatively Fixing Enterprise Issues
Layer 3: Lack of course of
Lastly, now we have the third layer of issues, which happens when there isn’t any course of in place in any respect. If there isn’t any course of, you may’t anticipate your staff to know what to do. Layer 3 issues typically occur when your small business has grown or modified, and also you’re dealing with new challenges that current processes simply do not cowl. They’re a terrific signal that it is time to create or overhaul some new processes.
Layer 3 issues are essentially the most advanced as a result of they require you to construct one thing from scratch. Step one is to evaluate the state of affairs and outline what must be executed. Upon getting a transparent understanding of the issue, you may start making a course of that addresses the difficulty. This would possibly contain mapping out the steps, assigning duties and making certain that the method aligns with the general objectives of the group.
As soon as the method is in place, it is also important to coach your staff so that they know find out how to execute it. You could want to carry workshops, present ongoing help and be accessible to reply any questions as they come up.
If a Layer 3 drawback retains taking place, it may imply that the method you created is not fairly proper for the staff’s wants. On this case, you could have to tweak or replace the method or create supplemental processes to cowl different elements of the enterprise.
Usually, it takes 2-4 weeks to correctly assess a Layer 3 drawback, outline and doc the answer after which prepare (and retrain) the related groups. This would possibly appear to be a very long time, but it surely’s value it to make sure that the method is strong and that your staff is ready to comply with it long-term.
Why it issues
Understanding the three layers of issues is essential for efficient problem-solving in any group. You don’t need your managers to overthink or waste an excessive amount of time fixing Layer 1 issues — these must be fast fixes. Alternatively, you don’t need them to hurry via fixing Layer 3 issues, as these require extra cautious planning and execution.
It is also necessary to search for developments. For instance, when you have numerous Layer 2 issues, it is perhaps an indication that your coaching strategies want enchancment. When you’re seeing numerous Layer 1 issues, it may very well be time to evaluation your hiring practices or present extra help to your staff.
Associated: Dealing with a Powerful Drawback? Strive These Hacks to Discover the Resolution You Want
By figuring out the layer of the issue, you may set the appropriate expectations across the quantity of effort and time wanted to discover a answer. Subsequent time you face a problem, ask your self: Which layer does this drawback belong to? Approaching it with this framework will prevent time, effort and perhaps even a number of complications alongside the way in which.
