The only business that doesn’t have issues is the one that’s quickly dying or already dead.

Issues are a sign that your business is struggling to grow. 

And how we respond to issues is the difference-maker for scaling a thriving business or watching your passion fizzle.

Not enough sales … that’s an issue.  Too many dropped balls … also an issue.  Can’t find and keep good people … that’s a problem. 

Drowning in operational chaos … that’s not good.  Doing everything yourself and burning out your entire family … definitely not scalable.

Ignoring issues or assuming someone else will handle it … big problem! Solving the same issue week-after-week … huge issue!  

Having issues is a natural part of scaling a business … BUT, nobody wants a ground-hog day business.

So getting good at solving issues is massively important for your success and peace of mind.

The more we’re pushing the ceiling of growth … the more issues will arise.  It’s part of up-leveling.

So, how do we quickly solve issues?

ONE. Create an Issue-Solving Culture

People must feel motivated to continually reflect on their responsibilities and look for opportunities to make them better.

This means, as leaders, we’re putting people in positions where they’re fully engaged in the work that they do.  They get the job done AND also take their brains with them (not robots).

And when they see an issue … leaders, team members, and customers must feel supported in bringing their ideas, feedback, frustrations, and insights to the table.

When they do … that behavior needs to be acknowledged and addressed to reinforce an issue-solving culture.

TWO. Clearly Identify the Core Issue

Many issues are simply symptoms of deeper issues.  As leaders, it’s our responsibility to look at how the issue manifests itself and then dive deeper to discover the root cause.

Running around solving symptom issues is ineffective and short-sighted.  Taking time to identify the core issue is critical.

The core issue is the single most important domino that if you solve that one thing, it will have a ripple effect and knockdown multiple issues with one solution.

THREE. Discuss 5 Possible Solutions with All Key Players

Gather the team and white-board 5 possible solutions for each core issue.

It’s important to have all key players involved in brainstorming possible solutions as each person will have a unique perspective based on their vantage point.

Each person needs to voice their ideas and perspectives so that sales, marketing, operations, technology, legal, and finance are all represented.

The best solution is one that generates more revenue, increases workflow efficiency, cuts costs, mitigates risk, creates more raving fans, boosts your culture and sets up your next strategic move.

With your 5 possible solutions on the table … you pin each solution against each other by doing better, worse, same until there is a clear winner.

FOUR. Achieve A Sacred Agreement

With a clear winner and agreed-upon solution … this decision is sacred.

This means nobody gets to change the rules of the agreement without a discussion with all key players.  Nobody gets to go rogue and do their own thing, including the main leader.

No time or energy will be spent on side-conversations, unspoken agendas, back-door solutions, or dual efforts.

It’s a united, sacred decision that will be communicated to the entire team and everyone will march in the same direction.

FIVE. Execute with Accountability

Now that the core issue is identified … the best solution is agreed upon … it’s time to execute.

Execution is where the rubber meets the road in business.  It’s putting into reality what we believe in theory will knock most of the dominoes down and create success.

Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong … either way, we’ll get feedback.

To ensure we’re not spinning our wheels, we need to keep our thumb on the pulse of progress by tracking key metrics that allow us to gauge if the solution is hitting the mark or not.

And then we need to execute long enough to give the solution time to generate some traction … no zig-zagging.

This 5-Step Process for Solving Business Issues is a key pillar for building and scaling your business.

Keep it handy … solve problems consistently and execute relentlessly. Do this on repeat and you’re well on your way to a thriving scalable business.