One of the biggest challenges leaders face is when team members hesitate to ask for help, often making issues worse. In this week’s Managing Made Simple, I dive into a simple yet powerful framework for empowering your team to bring you problems clearly and efficiently. This three-step approach can save you valuable time and helps team members become more accountable and proactive.
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Why Team Members Don’t Ask for Help (and Why It Costs You)
We’ve all been there: your team doesn’t reach out because they “didn’t want to bother you.” The result? Small issues spiral, and you end up spending even more time fixing things. This episode shows you how to open the door for more effective conversations, so your team feels confident coming to you without wasting time.
Three Steps to Efficient Problem Framing
Here’s the key: get your team to approach you with a specific structure. In this episode, I cover three simple steps for framing problems that can help your team bring solutions rather than dropping a confusing issue on your desk. The steps are:
- Share Where They’re Stuck – Team members should come to you with clarity, focusing on the exact point where they’re blocked.
- Bring Proposals or Past Solutions – Rather than expecting you to take over, encourage them to propose what they’ve tried or what they’re thinking of trying.
- Invite Feedback – They should ask for specific feedback, allowing you to guide without taking full responsibility for the task.
By following these steps, your team members will be more prepared, solutions-focused, and confident in their ability to handle challenges independently. This approach builds a stronger, self-sufficient team — saving you both time and stress in the long run.
Creating a Culture of Accountability and Growth
Setting these expectations for problem-solving can transform your team culture. Not only will it make your job easier, but it also empowers your team members to take ownership of their work and reach out in a way that respects both your time and theirs.
Tune in to learn how to implement this framework and create a more aligned, productive team.
Listen to the full conversation on Managing Made Simple and start creating a culture where your team can thrive without draining your time.
