Leadership Skills: Solve the Right Problem
Andrea Wenburg, founder and CEO of Voice of Influence, provides an overview of what to expect when contacting her organization for assistance through their training programs, coaching, and strategy services. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem or opportunity, the costs involved, and the necessity of investing time, effort, and resources into effective solutions.
Using a personal anecdote about a persistent plumbing issue resolved by a skilled plumber, Andrea illustrates Voice of Influence’s commitment to identifying and addressing the root of clients’ problems. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out for a detailed conversation to determine if Voice of Influence’s services align with their needs.
Email Andrea directly: andrea@voiceofinfluence.net.
00:00 Introduction to Voice of Influence
00:26 Initial Consultation Process
01:43 Understanding Your Needs
02:32 Preparing for Our Conversation
03:35 Evaluating the Stakes
04:17 Investment Considerations
04:53 A Personal Example
06:40 Our Commitment to You
07:18 Conclusion and Contact Information
Summary
Imagine this: your kitchen sink leaks. Plumbers come and go, each offering temporary fixes, but the problem persists. Finally, one plumber digs deep—literally—and discovers the real issue 50 feet away. After addressing the root cause, your sink is finally functioning as it should.
This story isn’t just about plumbing; it’s a powerful metaphor for leadership and problem-solving. As leaders, we often encounter challenges that demand more than surface-level solutions. In episode 343 of the Voice of Influence podcast, I share brief insights into how our team helps organizations tackle their most pressing challenges by identifying root causes and designing impactful solutions.
Listen to the full Voice of Influence episode here.
Understanding the Problem and Its Stakes
When you’re facing a challenge or considering an opportunity, it’s essential to define what’s truly at stake. Ask:
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What’s the real problem we’re trying to solve?
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What’s it costing us—not just financially, but in terms of team morale, client satisfaction, or lost opportunities? Without clarity, you risk investing resources in solutions that only skim the surface of the issue. Taking the time to reflect on these questions ensures that your investment—time, energy, and money—is directed toward transformative change.
Tailoring the Right Solution
Our approach emphasizes collaboration and flexibility. When clients come to Voice of Influence with specific requests—like training or strategy sessions—they may think they know what they need. But through candid conversations, we often uncover deeper issues or untapped opportunities.
Our process involves:
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Listening deeply to understand the client’s experience and goals.
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Sharing a spectrum of capabilities to find the best-fit solution.
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Co-designing strategies that address the unique dynamics of each organization.
This willingness to dig deeper and tailor solutions, like the persistent plumber in our story, ensures lasting results.
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This show is brought to you by the Deep Impact Method free course. Handle problems and present changes with care and influence. Register for the free 30-minute course here.