Mel Archbould

I use these Problem-Solving Techniques regularly with my clients: 1. Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys) - so useful. Drills right down to the real problem. So you can then look at solving effectively. 2. Brainstorming - I love using post-it notes for this. 3. SWOT Analysis - still works brilliantly especially if you add the 2nd T for Trends. 4. Pareto Analysis (80/20 Rule) - helps whittle down to a more manageable number. 5. Mind Mapping - love this for work and life. 6. PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) - underpins quality and ISO. Good once you get the hang of it. 7. Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa) - good for operational issues. 8. Six Thinking Hats - lots of different perspectives. 9. Simplified Decision Matrix - sets priorities. 10. SMART Goals

One of the biggest reasons employees can be resistant to change - is their past experience and the fact that "the big change" they were promised fizzled out. They simply don't see getting behind the change is worth the effort or energy. So to avoid this: 1. Be consistent: Leaders need to be trusted to show up regularly, do not chop and change, do not get distracted. 2. Feedback is essential: Share with your team on a consistent basis Key Performance Indicators, chart progress, don't be afraid to share challenges as well as wins. 3. Maintain Buy-in: Help your staff identify the important role they are playing in making the change.

My advice (from experience) is: 1. Quickly Pull Together Your Team - Involve in crisis discussions, you need diverse viewpoints & joint problem-solving. Identify core issues, prioritise actions. 2. Swiftly & Honestly Assess the Situation - Stay objective in a crisis, it helps avoid panic-driven decisions. Focus on facts & data to guide your assessment, your response must be measured & effective. 3. Strategic Focus: It's essential to maintain a strategic focus. What are the critical aspects of your business (cash, customers, employees etc)? 4. Importance of Communication: Identify all stakeholders. Decide who communicates with who. Build trust. 5. Role of Leadership: Leadership is crucial. Maintain strategic direction & inspire confidence.

I think there is one step which precedes this, which for me is a key part of entrepreneurial know-how and experience - knowing WHEN to throw the towel in. When to put pride aside. When to stop throwing good money after bad. That is the hardest part - knowing when to stop gambling. Get that right and then moving on to learning from the process, journey, experience is the next most important step.

Captured it in a nutshell! Hope you feeling better!

Start off by wearing the shoes of your “difficult” client. 1. Who are their direct reports? 2. Who do they report into? 3. What are they accountable for in their business? 4. For them to grown and develop their career - what will help them Stand out from the crowd. 5. Are they New to their role? Now step back and see if you can empathise more with your client and what, potentially, could be driving the way they are behaving. See if you can help them. They potentially will end up being loyal clients grateful for the support. To me a difficult client is one who usually needs support, reliability and consistency to help them get where they want to go.