Problem Solved

But before we go there…

Stuck on a tricky strategic problem? I’ve got a foolproof solution for you.

I’ve made a career in solving problems and I want to share with you my top tips from almost 25 (!) years in this business: 

1. You can’t find a solution if you don’t know what problem you’re solving. The first step is to make sure you have defined the problem – and that the team agrees that is the problem, too. 

2. Use a process to solve a problem. Otherwise, it’s just guesswork and chaos.

3. Don’t mistake action for answers. A bias for action is good, as long as consideration comes first.

4. Break it down, build it up, break it down again. The process to solve a problem is a series of breaking things into bits you can navigate, finding insight, and putting them back together in new and better ways. 

5. Socialization = Success. The right people need to be engaged and on board.

And we’ll explore more of these during our workshop on the 27th. By the end of it, you’ll walk away knowing:

• Why you should spend time upfront defining the problem 

• How to break a problem apart into solvable pieces

• How to quickly turn chaos into order

• How to get decision makers to agree

• How to turn decisions into actions

Learn some valuable tips to streamline your work and solve strategic problems efficiently.

R.S.V.P. now.

And while you’re at it, go ahead and block your calendar for our workshops – happening (almost) every third Thursday of every month!

1. 10 Minutes with Katie McCormick Lelyveld

Want to know the secret to getting a meeting with anybody?

My fellow “clown princess” Katie McCormick Lelyveld has done many great things in her life. She was First Lady Michelle Obama’s first Press Secretary and now she’s a fellow at Harvard. She’s also the founder of MELD, an organization impacting the career trajectory of undergraduate women.

She also has this awesome superpower: she gets herself on anyone’s calendar.

But the real question is: why is she my best friend?

Here are some golden nuggets from our (long but jam-packed) conversation:

• Always carry yourself with the authenticity and energy to meet as many people as possible. It’s how you start building your network.

• Take good care of your relationships. You will eventually realize that you’re not too far from the people you want to be close to or connected with.

• Treat your research like a fun investigation. Figure out how to speak to them about their value to the world and how you can be an asset to them.

A fun little bonus: listen to how Katie is going to help me meet Jay-Z.

Watch this full interview to learn her secret formula.

2. The Problem Solving Framework

There’s a reason why some companies struggle to grow.

As consultants, it’s our opportunity to help them find and solve the strategic problems that prevent them from achieving their goals.

Strategic problems are difficult to solve because they’re often complex (or different, depending on perspectives). There also might be some hidden barriers or biases from the stakeholders that prevent them from reaching the best solution.

But after years of solving strategic problems for different clients, I’ve found the silver bullet: all you need is a process to create order from chaos. 

Streamline your work using processes to:

• Keep the focus on key issues and objectives

• Prevent stakeholders from diverting to other problems

• Put facts at the center and improve objectivity

• Prioritize analysis and consideration

• Improve the quality of decisions

The beauty of following a process is that it’s proven and repeatable. You get faster at solving problems and making decisions every time.

And my entire library of strategic templates is here for you to use.

But to really digest the process of the process itself, join my 25-minute workshop this June 27 where I’ll deep-dive into my foolproof process of solving strategic problems.

Remember, the path to success is paved with continuous learning and embracing fresh perspectives.

Let's stay connected, share ideas, and elevate your consulting business.

Stay curious, friends.

TheConsult.co brought to you by Keenan Reid Strategies

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