Coaching for Problem-Solving: How to Create a Trust-based Leadership Dynamic

In this episode of L&D in Action, we’re joined by Irial O’Farrell, Founder of Evolution Consulting and author of several books on the topic of Management. Irial helps organizations empower their people, at all levels, to be greater problem-solvers. Companies tend to choose and grow their leadership based on problem-solving prowess. Irial explains that a constant focus on resolving the bad doesn’t always result in long-term good, as leaders need to have the freedom to focus on innovation and growth. Her 8-step problem-solving framework is as foolproof as the scientific method, and will help any leader teach their people to become self-sufficient solution finders.

Many managers across all industries have one trait in common: They are superb problem solvers. This is good… until solving problems becomes the bulk of one’s work. A leader must have space to develop their people’s key skill sets. Space to observe coming trends and react to the market. Space to innovate and seek paths for growth. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that managers teach their people to be effective problem-solvers on their own. But, this is no easy task, and can be both a social and professional challenge for even the most experienced managers. Thankfully, Irial O’Farrell is here to share her insights from nearly two decades of management consulting.

Self-describing as a people-and-performance geek, Irial is endlessly fascinated by what makes people tick in the workplace. This has led her through a career evolution from financial services operations and management to learning and development, executive coaching, strategy, organization design and change management. As the Founder of Evolution Consulting, she is passionate about teaching leaders to unleash the power of their organizations by educating their people effectively.

Join us as we discuss:

The three types of escalations that create bottlenecks for leaders
The 8-step problem-solving process, the first step of which most people ignore
How to craft a learning program that has an impact on all the different microcultures of an organization
Why mastery and autonomy are key to motivation and self-direction, and how to put this into practice in L&D
Using SMART as both an objective setting framework and as a communication facilitator
How to approach the emotionally challenging conversations about improving performance at work

Episode Resources

Irial O’Farrell on LinkedIn

getAbstract website

getAbstract on LinkedIn

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L&D In Action: Winning Strategies from Learning Leaders releases every other Tuesday, bringing you conversations from the best minds in Learning and Development.

Previous guests include: Simon Brown of Novartis, Ravin Jesuthasan of Mercer, Michael Lee Stallard of Connection Culture Group, Michelle Weise of Rise and Design and Dr. Nigel Paine of Learning Now TV.

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