7 Habits of Highly Effective Problem Solvers

Great Problem Solvers

Are you a problem solver or complainer? If you solve problems, you add value. If you complain, you add to the problems. The tougher the problems you solve, the more valuable you will become.

Problem solvers have a solution centric mindset. They see problems as challenges and opportunities to improve things. They look at things objectively and maximise their growth by solving critical problems.

Good problem solvers have a positive attitude, which allows them to look at the bright side of things. It allows them to have the self belief to come up with great solutions and try until they succeed.

Problem solvers are welcomed everywhere, especially in the professional world of complexity. Have you looked at some people and wondered how they are able to come up with simple solutions to complex problems? It is a rare trait and one that makes people successful.

The problem solvers use analytical thinking, logical approach and focus on finding solutions. They use information and try persistently to come up with the right solution that benefits everyone. The problem solvers are open minded and explore variety of ways to crack things until they hit the right solution.

Here we look at the 7 highly effective habits that make good problem solvers.

1. Intuition & Data

Intuition & Data

Good problem solvers use a combination of intuition and data to come up with the right solutions. Intuition is often the starting point of many solutions, but when it is backed with data, experimentation and facts, it can result in great solutions.

When you train your mind to come up with solutions, you invariably develop intuition and skills to come up with creative inspirations.

Problem solvers realize that intuition can be channelised with the right thinking and training. The effective use of intuition, experimentation and data can be used to crack tough problems.

2. The Right Mindset

Problem solvers have the right mindset and attitude. They are not cowed by problems, in fact they look forward to opportunities where they can contribute. When others are backing away and shying from taking responsibility, problem solvers take up the challenges.

The right mindset allows you to focus all your energies in finding the solutions. Your approach and enthusiasm in dealing with problem goes a long way in helping you solve them too.

3. Identify the Opportunity

Identify the Opportunity

How do you value experts? Well, it is their capabilities and skills to solve problems that make professionals valuable. When you build a capacity to solve tough problems, eventually you will rewarded with what you truly deserve.

Great opportunities are often wrapped up inside problems. Every problem is an opportunity to advance your learning and growth. The quality of solutions you develop eventually define your quality.

Effective problem solving requires understanding of the big picture. Problem solvers know that their contribution matters.

4. Understand the Problem

Problem solvers understand the problem they are solving in depth. They define the problem, understand the constraints and then work towards the solution.

They explore various perspectives, options and environment for the problem they are trying to solve. Thorough understanding of the problem is a must for providing the right solution.

Problem solvers also adopt a dynamic approach to things they do. Things change overtime and many a times, you need to come up with a new solution. The evolution is only possible with in depth understanding of what you’re trying to achieve.

5. Excellent Communication Skills

Excellent Communication Skills

A lot of problems can be simply resolved with good communication. How you communicate makes a huge impact. Sometimes, you may be under impossible and difficult situations, communicating things can be very helpful.

Many business problems require proper communication and collaboration for the right solution. People who succeed in stressful professional environments learn the art of communication. They know that stakes are high and they cannot let their team down.

Successful professionals are able to articulate what they are doing with clarity. They never mislead and are transparent about things.

Communication requires good understanding of what is needed from you, what you can deliver and when you can deliver it.

6. Open Minded

You cannot know everything. But it shouldn’t prevent you from attempting things you don’t know about. Exploration and open mindedness are traits that can help you develop skills required for success.

Effective problem solvers are open to new ideas. They readily accept inputs from other people that are contrary to their beliefs and willing to try new things. They know that they don’t have all the answers and they cannot be right every time.

The open minded approach helps problem solvers to learn new things. The constant learning expands their mind and helps them grow to greater heights in their profession and life.

7. Built to Last

Built to Last

When Mark Parker was appointed as the CEO of Nike in 2006. He called Steve Jobs to seek his advice on how they can create a digital roadmap for Nike & its products.

Parker shared that Steve Jobs said something that really struck with him. Jobs said, “Nike makes some of the best products in the world. Products that you lust after. But you also make a lot of crap. Just get rid of the crappy stuff and focus on the good stuff.”

The essence of all problem solving is to create and build solutions that last. The effective problem solvers build solutions that are really top notch and excellent. They solve problems, never create more problems with their solutions.

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8 Personality Traits that Make You a Leader

Leadership traits

Leadership is not about titles, it is about your attitude and what you do.

Leadership is rare quality. Some people are naturally gifted to be leaders. But most people especially in corporate world acquire leadership through hard work and grit. When you build and develop the right traits, you can improve your leadership abilities.  

Leadership is about influencing things positively and making an impact that can translate in something bigger than self interests. It is about doing what it takes to be able to instrument things for well being of others.

Here we look at some of the personality traits that make you a leader, no matter where you are & what position you hold:

1. Doing More than Others:

Doing More than Others

It sounds very simple, but the primary quality of leadership is about giving. When you give more than others you rise up the leadership ladder. It is about taking responsibility and going out of the way to get things done and helping others.

Leadership is not given to anyone, but people rise to become leaders by their actions and attitude.

2. Authenticity:

Great leaders push themselves and also want their teams to do their best. They are authentic and are driven by the big picture. This authenticity can be seen in their day to day actions. Whether it is the projects they are working on, their communication or interactions with clients, they are honest.

True leaders wield power with the work they do and who they are. They don’t show off or mislead people. They do what they say and never say anything they don’t mean.

3. Inspire Others:

Inspire Others

If you inspire others to raise their standards and game, you are a leader. The best leaders always inspire their co-workers, team mates and associates to be their best.

You can never succeed by running away from responsibility, shirking work, and indulging in politics. You can only rise higher in life by doing great things, raising your standard, and constantly pushing yourself to do better.

They have the best interest in their hearts for all, make meaningful difference and inspire others to be great too.

4. Growth Mindset:

The challenges of tomorrow cannot be solved with the skills of yesterday.

Change is the name of the game. Anyone who detests change inhibits his own progress. When you are a leader or aspire to be one, you need to embrace the change. You need to proactively change and steer things in a better direction all the time.

Leadership is about acquiring a growth mindset, where you constantly strive to get better & make others better too.  

5. Inner Drive:

Inner Drive

Leaders are driven by what they want to achieve. They are disciplined, because they are motivated by what they are doing.

In Dan Pink’s book, Drive, he argues that “purpose” & “mastery” are two things that humans find most motivating. It is about finding meaning in what we do and getting really good at it.

By sheer involvement and mastery of your work, you can not only gain expertise but also improve your leadership capabilities.

6. Problem Solvers:

You can either be a complainer or a problem solver. The problem solvers are constantly looking for solutions, others are busy complaining. People who solve tough problems and provide valuable solutions are always in demand.

Leaders need to deal with pressure situations every day and they are need to constantly look for creative ways to find solutions. When you find solutions and help everyone win, you are a leader.

7. Humility:

Humility

Humility is acknowledging that you don’t know everything. Despite whatever expertise you have in your field, nothing is ever constant. Things change fast and the only way to keep pace is by being humble. Leaders are humble; they know that they don’t everything.

It is by constantly looking for better ways of doing things, learning from those who are more accomplished and being open minded to accept the right inputs. Humility is a great virtue that leads people to improve themselves and rise up the echelons of leadership.

8. Impact:

Does your work create impact? This is a really hard question to answer, but leaders ask this question with everything they do. Yes, doing things that create an impact and makes a meaningful difference matters a lot.

The time you spend doing things will have little significance, if it doesn’t make an impact. Leaders do meaningful work, create positive impact and attract success.

Conclusion:

Leaders influence things positively. They care deeply about what they are doing, contribute and do their best to help everyone. They live up to higher standards, put their hand up in tough situations and make things better. Leaders give more than they receive and are ready to sacrifice their interests for larger good of those around them.

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How to Manage your Team Performance

Manage team performance

Team performance plays a major role in determining the success of a leader and the company. For this you need to manage your team and create a balance between people as well as their tasks. Nowadays, both large and small organizations are very keen in improving the productivity of their employees’ performance.

If you want to succeed, you have to make your team succeed. Team performance is an important aspect for determining the growth of leader and the organization. So, it’s crucial to guide your employees well in order to achieve success.

Here are some tips in how to manage your team effectively and raise their performance level :

1. Find out the Strengths and Weaknesses of your EmployeesStrengths and Weaknesses of your Employees

Everyone is different and so are their strengths and weaknesses. It is not advisable to treat everyone similarly. Hence finding out the strength and weakness is the best way to manage team and its members.

Delegate the work according to their strengths and take reasonable steps to improve their weakness.

2. Set Goals

Setting goals will help in career growth of the employee as well as the for the overall plan of the organization. Working with clear targets in mind which can be tracked and evaluated helps in creating a motivational environment; rather than a disastrous one.

Milestones should be for both individuals and team as a whole. Checking the targets on a regular basis turns out to be a good habit.

3. Manage Communication

Manage Communication

It’s essential to create a good communication with your employees and inform them what’s going on at the workplace. Encouragement leads to greater efficiency, so encourage and motivate your employees so that they work hard to achieve the desired result.

There should be a clarity in communication so that misunderstandings can be avoided and work can go on smoothly.

4. Trust your Employees

This is one of the best things; trust your employees and have faith in their ability. If you don’t trust them then manage them. It’s vital to create a trustworthy relationship with your employees to achieve targets and build a high performance level.

Gene king rightly said, “ Trust your team. Let others do their work so that you may concentrate wholly on doing your own.”

5. Consistent Interactions

Consistent Interactions

It’s important to manage the team as a whole but it is more important to manage the individuals. Having one-on-one meetings with employees can help you understand their performance level better. These meetings will assist you to discuss their ongoing tasks, priorities and problems occured. This time will also succour you in strengthening your relationship and hence being able to know the individual better.

In achieving the vision, these meeting play a major role and are great for giving the feedbacks. So, regular and consistent meetings should be held to increase the potential of employees as well as the team.

6. Manage Conflicts

Conflicts at workplace must not be shrugged off. If this happens, then it could lead in turning the positive environment into a negative one. This should be solved as soon as possible, or it could have an adverse effect over the staff due to which team performance may suffer.

So, rather than waiting for this situation to grow more, it’s crucial to address and take steps to solve it.

7. Be a Good Example

Be a Good Example

If you want to guide and influence your employees, it’s necessary to set an example in order to clinch their respect. If you expect them to be punctual or behave in a professional manner, first do it yourself. Just ensure that you are committed towards your career and supporting your team in every situation.

Try to be your own epitome in front of your workers, which surely will assist you in setting an example.

8. Increase Happiness

Increase Happiness

A happy environment is the best to work in. It has been found out that people work more efficiently when they are happy.

“Happiness inspires productivity”, says the famous author, Shawn Achor. So, create an environment where people feel contented. This will result in better productivity and performance of the team and the organisation too.

These are some of the elements that will aid you in managing your team performance, if you monitor them daily. Adapting these will surely have a positive impact on the key areas. Therefore, just add these to your existing set of principles and you will definitely coalesce your team in a gratifying environment.

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These are the Happiest Countries in the World

Happiness is quite a tough thing to measure. When it comes to measuring happiness of countries, it gets even tougher. According to World Happiness Report 2019, a study from the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Finland is again the happiest country in the world.

Intriguingly, 8 out of the 10 happiest countries in the world are from Europe. Only New Zealand & Canada are the non European countries that made it to the top 10. India was placed among the bottom of the ladder occupying 140th spot on the list of 156 countries.

There was a survey conducted in about 156 countries, asking the residents to rate their happiness on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is the worst and best is 10. As per the reports, the factors necessary for evaluating happiness are: Gross Domestic Product (GDP), life expectancy, social support, freedom, corruption and generosity.

Out of the 156 countries surveyed, below listed are the best ten of all.

So, let’s find out the happiest countries and their measurement on the Cantril’s Ladder

1. Finland : 7.769

finland

At number one comes Finland. The citizens of the country voted highest for the happiness criteria. According to the reports of California State University, San Diego, immigrants in Finland were provided immense support in assembling themselves and were also taught the Finnish language immediately. This makes the country top the list.

2. Denmark : 7.600

denmark

In this country people enjoy high quality services with high taxes. This colourful country takes well care of the elders, disable people and the kids too. This country provides certain schemes to all the age groups for their social well-being.

3. Norway : 7.554

Norway

As per the survey in The Nation, Norway strongly believes in democracy and equality. Due to this, the result is more of job satisfaction, less of income incongruity along with a level of equality between men and women.

4. Iceland : 7.494

Iceland

This European country is very sparsely populated and still is at number four, beating other countries. It is an exciting mix of both traditional and modern culture. The geothermal heating activity makes Iceland one of the greenest country.

5. Netherlands : 7.488

Netherlands

This is the country which feeds millions of people outside its borders due their large farms. According to the National Public Radio, the country’s commitment towards agriculture has generated a greener way to life. People of Netherlands have notably welcomed immigrants from other nations.

6. Switzerland : 7.480

switzerland

What’s more enchanting than the majestic Alps and the Swiss chocolate! Yes Switzerland ranks at the sixth position due their efficient government rules ranging from local to national, making their citizens happier. This country ranks high in housing, security, income and work life, as per Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index.

Sweden : 7.343

sweden

The taxes here may be high, but this country provides free healthcare and education facilities to its residents. People here are mostly happy and smiling. Citizens of Sweden believe in the spirit of lagom, which means usage of a word with no English counterpart.

8. New Zealand : 7.307

Newzealand

New Zealand is one of the most developed countries in the world, blessed with natural beauty and peaceful life. It is one of the most well governed countries with a small population. People here are found exploring the nature with zeal. New Zealand accepts immigrants whole-heartedly and has a thriving economy.  

9. Canada : 7.278

Canada

Canada has been ranked consistently in the top ten happiest countries list from the very first report published. Residents here have access to good life, healthy work-life harmony and free healthcare, which is the country’s priority.

10. Austria : 7.246

austria

About 85 percent of citizens here are well educated with a secondary schooling or a higher degree. This makes unemployment level very low in this country. People here vote energetically and never miss the opportunity, that’s the reason Austria comes in this top ten happiest countries list.

Apart from these best ten, United Kingdom jumped up four spots higher from last survey and landed at the 15th position followed by United States at 19th, a position lower than that from last list.

The report suggests that happiness is more about the character of life a country offer to its people rather than culture and belief. Another aspect that was found out during the research was the effect of technology. People using more digital devices were less happy than those who limited the use.

John Helliwell, economist from University of British Columbia, was the one who co-edited the report. He said, “ The happiest countries in the world also have the happiest immigrants.”

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World War III on Social Media

World-War-III-on-Social-Media

Social media is constantly buzzing with all the chaos in the world. Biased opinions, prejudiced people & organised propaganda are harmful for the society. Social media has become a World War zone of sorts.

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30 Motivational Quotes to Be Your Best

Motivational quotes

The most important journey is the one where we transform ourselves and become better all the time. When we work with passion, energy and motivation to do great things, we improve ourselves too. If we are satisfied with mediocrity, we end up being mediocre too.

Never let your fears and doubts hold you back. When you work with sincerity, commitment and put in relentless hard work, it is always rewarded.

Here are 30 Motivational quotes that will inspire you to be your best.

1. “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”

Oprah Winfrey

2. “It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

J.K Rowling

J.K-Rowling quotes

3. “Successful people begin where failures leave off. Never settle for ‘just getting the job done.’ Excel!”

Tom Hopkins

4. “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.”

Albert Einstein

Albert-Einstein

5. “When you’re building a business, you’re either all in, or you’re not.”

Barbara

6. “All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark.”

Swami Vivekananda

Swami-Vivekananda

7. “An arrogant person considers himself perfect. This is the chief harm of arrogance. It interferes with a person’s main task in life – becoming a better person.”

Leo Tolstoy

8. “The difference in winning and losing is most often…not quitting.”

Walt Disney

Walt-Disney

9. “If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it would not seem so wonderful at all.”

Michelangelo

10. “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”

Steve Jobs

Steve-Jobs quotes

11. “How dare you settle for less when the world has made it so easy for you to be remarkable?”

Seth Goldin

12. “When the world pushes you to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray.”

Rumi

Rumi quotes

13. “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”

Will Rogers

14. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

Thomas Edison

Thomas-Edison

15. “Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

John Wooden

16. “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor-Roosevelt quotes

17. “The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater their power to harm us.”

Voltaire

18. “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

Sir Edmund Hillary

Sir-Edmund-Hillary

19. “Change your thoughts and you change your world.”

Norman Vincent Peale

20. “I have no education. I have inspiration. If I was educated, I would be a damn fool.”

Bob Marley

Bob-Marley quote

21. “No action is ever an isolated event. Always, it invites from the universe a reaction that corresponds exactly to the type and the force of energy behind the deed.”

Paramhansa Yogananda

22. “You can control two things: your work ethic and your attitude about anything.”

Ali Krieger

Ali-Krieger

23. “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stressed; working hard for something we love is called passion.”

Simon Sinek

24. “Do it from the heart or not at all.”

Jeanette Winterson

Jeanette-Winterson

25. “The average person puts only 25% of his energy and ability into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity, and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%.”

Andrew Carnegie

26. “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.”

Florence Nightingale

Florence-Nightingale

27. “Each day, I come in with a positive attitude, trying to get better.”

Stefon Diggs

28. “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”

Aristotle

Aristotle

29. “There are better starters than me but I’m a strong finisher.”

Usain Bolt

30. “The only thing that hurts harder than a failure is not trying.”

Apoorve Dubey

Apoorve-Dubey quotes

 

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How Social Media Helps Business Growth

Social media for business

Social media is one of the best ways in terms of business expansion. You can reach your potential buyers and let them explore more about your product or service. Social media has become the quintessential element of branding in the digital world.

Effective use of social media turns out to be cost effective and powerful tool when it comes to business growth.As per the surveys conducted, it has been found that, 92 percent of the marketers believe that social media usage is effective in boosting sales and is a vital part in marketing.

About more than 50 percent of the small business enterprises have seen a major growth and increase in sales by using social media tools. Many brands are employing social media for generating traffic, customer interactions, generating leads, closing deals and even customer service.

Small & medium scale businesses can leverage social media and focus more on generating traffic, creating brand awareness and building a community; rather than trying to beat large companies in terms of money, stamina and time.

Have a walk-through to this article and see how social media helps in business expansion and multiplying opportunities for your company.

1. Decide your Platform

This is a first step towards a successful social media strategy. Decide which social media platform you need to use to reach your potential customers.

For e.g. if your brand targets youngsters in the age group of 18-30, Instagram or Snapchat could be good for you.

LinkedIn is the best for connecting with business and corporate users. Facebook ads can increase your mass reach. Twitter is particularly good for connecting with influencers, creating awareness about your brand.

For sharing videos & creating compelling stories about your business, you can use Youtube.

Know your target audience and see where you can spread more awareness about the product or service you are selling.

Create a platform strategy for social media platform which are most relevant to your business. Post religiously about the company and its products so that people get to know and are well-versed with your offerings.

2. Create Brand Awareness

Create Brand Awareness

Know that you have created a setup for your online marketing, it’s time to create popularity among the prospects. This will help in creating recognition and form an identity. There are certain tracking metrics that you can use to track down your customer.

Reports show that 60 percent of people said that they discover new product through the social media platforms.

a). Mentions: This will help you to know how many times and where your business name has been mentioned or used.

b). Location: This feature enable you to find your customers’ location; hence providing an opportunity to grow.

c). Impressions: Impression means a number of times post have been viewed or popped up in one’s feed. This will help you to know your brand’s progress.

d). Followers growth: Track down the number of followers and the time taken to gain them. If a certain post attracts more people, create more of it.

e). Leads: What is the total number of leads generated from the social media platforms.

f). Conversion rate: Analyse the conversion rates on leads generated from social media platforms for your business

g). Revenue: To calculate the ROI, track the cost per lead and customer acquisition. The overall revenue growth for your business.

This will help in generating tremendous gain and popularity of the brand among the users. Track and generate traffic using analytics tool to procure a large volume of audience.

Social Media can help you attract the right leads and build strong awareness, which can improve revenues for your business.

3. Sharing Visuals

Visual images play an important role in social media marketing. People mostly get attracted by viewing pictures and videos. So, use more pictures whenever required to drive audience towards your marque.

Create content that is hypnotic and visually stunning. It will get you more shares, mentions and ultimately create business opportunities.

4. Quality Matters

Quality Matters

This is an important aspect as quality matters over quantity. Create quality content that will help you in connecting with your audience and expanding your business. Build  honest content that will drive your prospects and build relations.

According to Stackla, 86 percent of consumer like authenticity and not fakeness. Businesses that are creating quality content for their customers and offering them true value derive better ROI from social media platforms.

5. Respond to Conversations

It is crucial part in gaining brand awareness and fame. Responding to the comments or messages on the social media to generate leads. Start a conversation like asking a question or doing poll. This is attract audience and keep them engaged with your brand.

Social media is also helping businesses to gather useful feedback from potential customers, take their inputs for improving products & services, as well as provide support to existing customers instantly.

6. Monitor your Competitors

Monitor your Competitors

It’s important to have a good knowledge about your competitors. See what audience is saying about them on social media. This is one of the best opportunities to grow ahead of them by finding your competitors’ cons. Mention their pain points and tell how your product can provide the solution. This will help you win more trusted prospects.

Monitoring your competitors on social media implies that you are aware about their products, services and fame in the market. Take this as an advantage and try to beat them by constantly engaging with the leads and producing better products.

If you are not taking the advantage of social media platforms, then you surely are missing on the most inexpensive, fast and efficient way of marketing and reaching almost half the population of the world.

So, start using social media platforms wisely to boost sales and grow your business. Good luck!

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Mumbai Bridge Collapse

Mumbai-Bridge-Collapse

The Mumbai bridge collapse is another case of gross negligence on the part of authorities. The blame game and lack of accountability only make things worse.

 

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