Finding Solutions to the hardest Problems

As a leader, what skills do you draw on to solve problems?

Your problem-solving process is principled.

• The participants are the problem-solvers.
• The goal is a wise outcome reached efficiently and amicably.

You separate the people from the problem.

• Be soft on the people, hard on the problem.

Focus on interests, not positions.

• Explore interests.
• Avoid having a bottom line.

Invent options for mutual gain.

• Develop multiple options to choose from; decide later.

Insist on using objective criteria.

• Try to reach a result based on standards independent of will.
• Reason and be open to reason; yield to principle; not pressure.

From:  Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher, William Ury, & Bruce Patton
Published by: Penguin Books

Characteristics of Principle-Centered Leaders

What guides your leadership?

In his book, Principle-Centered Leadership, Stephen Covey identifies eight principles of effective leaders....

"I have isolated eight discernible characteristics of people who are principle-centered leaders.  These traits not only characterize effective leaders, they also serve as signs of progress for all of us."

The eight principles of effective leaders...

1. they are continually learning
2. they are service-oriented
3. they radiate positive energy
4. they believe in other people
5. they lead balanced lives
6. they see life as an adventure
7. they are synergistic
8. they exercise for self-renewal

From:  Principle-Centered Leadership by Stephen Covey
(Published by: Simon & Schuster)