Problem-Solving

[Coaching Lesson #5 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Building Effective Teams, Phase 3]

One way that leaders prove that they are able to lead others is by their ability to solve problems. As a leader you will face problems. They cannot be avoided or pushed off to your successor.



To lead effectively, you must learn the skill of problem-solving. Leaders who are able to solve problems gain credibility and enhance their ability to influence others. Too often, leaders avoid or ignore problems. This only serves to make things worse.

Case Study: Nehemiah—A Problem-Solver (Nehemiah 6:1-14)

Nehemiah demonstrated his capability to solve a problem—one that if not handled properly could have prevented him from accomplishing his mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. While the walls were rapidly taking shape, his enemies tried to divert his attention from the project in a number of ways. First, they tried to lure him out of the city by repeatedly inviting him to a meeting (vs. 1-4). Next they accused him of trying to lead a revolt against the king (vs. 5-9). Finally, his enemies tried to intimidate him into violating the law of God by urging him to seek refuge in the temple (vs. 10-14).

Nehemiah confronted this problem directly by confronting his enemies while maintaining his focus on the task of completing the work on rebuilding the walls of the city. Furthermore, in the middle of all this, he chose to obey God and pray for the wisdom and strength needed to accomplish his work.

Problem-Solving Process

Here is a suggested six-step process that you and your team can use to help solve problems. Always begin with prayer before working through these six steps:

1. Define the problem: gather information about the problem and the factors that may have caused it.
2. Determine the underlying causes: analyze the information about the problem to find the causes.
3. Develop alternative solutions: look at two or three possible solutions that might solve the problem.
4. Analyze and select a solution: compare the possible solutions and select the one that best solves the problem. The solution should be both feasible and acceptable.
5. Implement the solution: develop a plan that details the steps needed to solve the problem.
6. Finally, evaluate the outcome: make an assessment to see if you have solved the problem as intended and make adjustments if needed.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is “defining the problem” the most important step in attempting to solve a problem?
2. Discuss a time when you observed a leader ignore or try to avoid solving a problem. What was the outcome?
3. Why is it important to first turn to God and pray for wisdom and discernment before attempting to solve a problem?