Mentoring Future Leaders

Mentoring Future Leaders
Technique D: A “Quick-Fix” Problem-solving
Model
© Learning Link International
April 2005
(Source: Landsberg, 1996, p.49)
The following problem-solving model can help you to get “unstuck” in as
little as 5 minutes.
!
1. Problem
3. Blocks
Mentee
Others
! Describe the issue or problem.
! Describe the desired outcome – paint as specific a ‘picture’ as
possible of how things would be once the problem is sorted out.
! List all the obstacles/blocks that lie between 1 and 2. Sort them into
three groups:
• Blocks in the mentee (lack of skill/knowledge, low motivation,
attitude, etc.);
• Blocks in others (anxious customer, stressed manager and
personal anxiety, etc.);
• Blocks in the situation (inadequate resources, tight deadlines,
etc.).
! Jointly brainstorm ways around these blocks, and possible next
steps. Agree on an approach, actions and time frames.
! Implement the strategy.
Situation
4. Brainstorm
2. Ideal outcome
Module 4 - Mentoring Skills Page ! 1