Encountering problems is a natural occurrence in the business setting. So, today on the Business Problem Solver Podcast, we go back to the basics and define what a business problem is.

Lee helps you to easily pinpoint a problem so that you could come up with an effective problem-solving plan. There will be many strategic approaches out there that are used by large-scale and small-scale companies, but none will be outright applicable to your business problem. You have to innovate from it, consider your organizational culture, and always link it to your purpose.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
According to Lee, you consider it a problem if it gets in the way of getting where you want to be.
There are different approaches to problem-solving when it comes to business like using the 5D Model, Lean Six Sigma, or Agile. You have to make sure that it can identify the problems and can provide strategic solutions to those.
Every business is different. A solution can be very effective for an organisation but not for yours, and vice versa. You have to take note that every business has a different culture and working environment.
Try to look back at how your company dealt with similar problems in the past. If the previous solutions worked well, then innovate a strategic solution from it taking note of course of the changing environment.

BEST MOMENTS
“Problems come in different sizes, but it’s basically something that gets in the way of where you want to get to.”
“There are no new ideas – they are just ideas that have been built on previous solutions and ideas.”
“Don’t just necessarily take an off-the-shelf solution and apply it to your problem.”

ABOUT THE HOST 

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on: 07813342194 

Website: Lee@leehoughton.com

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

Facebook:www.facebook.com/THEBusinessProblemSolver/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusiProbsSolved

Instagram:www.instagram.com/the_business_problem_solver/?hl=en

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsf0YC2_ZBuhtC_s-AbHaDw

Encountering problems is a natural occurrence in the business setting. So, today on the Business Problem Solver Podcast, we go back to the basics and define what a business problem is.
Lee helps you to easily pinpoint a problem so that you could come up with an effective problem-solving plan. There will be many strategic approaches out there that are used by large-scale and small-scale companies, but none will be outright applicable to your business problem. You have to innovate from it, consider your organizational culture, and always link it to your purpose.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ul>
<li>According to Lee, you consider it a problem if it gets in the way of getting where you want to be.</li>
<li>There are different approaches to problem-solving when it comes to business like using the 5D Model, Lean Six Sigma, or Agile. You have to make sure that it can identify the problems and can provide strategic solutions to those.</li>
<li>Every business is different. A solution can be very effective for an organisation but not for yours, and vice versa. You have to take note that every business has a different culture and working environment.</li>
<li>Try to look back at how your company dealt with similar problems in the past. If the previous solutions worked well, then innovate a strategic solution from it taking note of course of the changing environment.</li>
</ul>
BEST MOMENTS
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Problems come in different sizes, but it&rsquo;s basically something that gets in the way of where you want to get to.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;There are no new ideas &ndash; they are just ideas that have been built on previous solutions and ideas.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t just necessarily take an off-the-shelf solution and apply it to your problem.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
ABOUT THE HOST 
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack &amp; India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business &amp; personal development material.
Lee Houghton is &ldquo;THE Business Problem Solver&rdquo;, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
CONTACT METHOD
You can contact Lee Houghton on: 07813342194 
Website: <a href="mailto:Lee@leehoughton.com">Lee@leehoughton.com</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/">www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/</a>
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/THEBusinessProblemSolver/">www.facebook.com/THEBusinessProblemSolver/</a>
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusiProbsSolved
Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/the_business_problem_solver/?hl=en">www.instagram.com/the_business_problem_solver/?hl=en</a>
YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsf0YC2_ZBuhtC_s-AbHaDw">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsf0YC2_ZBuhtC_s-AbHaDw</a>

WARNING - This podcast WILL challenge your thinking.

Welcome to Business Problems Solved!

In this podcast we help you solve your business problems by providing real examples and practical approaches to make today better than yesterday. 

Introducing your host, the multi-sector, self-professed ‘most improved improvement person’ and qualified Business Problem Solver

Lee Houghton (pronounced Hawton)

You can contact Lee on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by searching for Lee Houghton THE Business Problem Solver or via visiting www.leehoughton.com for more content and to solve your business problems.

And remember – saying you know how to do it, is not doing it …

Business Problems Solved Podcast

Business Problems Solved

What is a Problem?

Lee reflects on his journey through 2024, a year marked by significant personal and professional challenges, including completing both the London Marathon and an Ultra Marathon. He shares insights on the importance of setting meaningful goals and the need to prioritise time with loved ones, particularly as his children grow older. Lee emphasises the value of being present and making conscious choices about how to spend time, rather than simply exchanging time for money. He introduces his upcoming book, which aims to document critical success factors for sustainable change and people leadership, and encourages listeners to adopt a more ambitious and strategic approach to their own goals in 2025. The episode serves as a motivational reminder to think differently and take actionable steps towards achieving personal and professional aspirations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Value of Time: The importance of prioritising time with loved ones over solely focusing on work and financial goals is important, to consciously make choices on how to spend your time.


Goal Setting: Setting ambitious and meaningful goals is crucial. Instead of waiting for a new year or a specific date, one should take immediate action towards their aspirations, ensuring that goals are strategic, meaningful, ambitious, real, and targeted.


Reflection and Learning: Taking time to reflect on past experiences, such as completing marathons, can provide valuable insights into personal growth and the importance of gradual progress in achieving larger goals.


Authentic Connection: Building authentic connections and relationships is essential for personal and professional growth. The focus should be on championing and coaching others while maintaining a leadership role.


Daily Actions for Change: To achieve significant differences in life, it is necessary to think differently and take consistent actions towards goals every day. Small, incremental steps can lead to substantial progress over time.

BEST MOMENTS


"If there's something that actually makes you feel that you want to succeed, then you've got to really double down and go for it." 


"At the time when I might be ready, they might not want me." 


"You have to think and do different to achieve difference." 


"I want to provide an opportunity for other people to find about these things that I believe are the critical success factors for sustainable change." 


"Make sure it's by a particular date that you're aiming for." 

HOST BIO

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

Lee reflects on his journey through 2024, a year marked by significant personal and professional challenges, including completing both the London Marathon and an Ultra Marathon. He shares insights on the importance of setting meaningful goals and the need to prioritise time with loved ones, particularly as his children grow older. Lee emphasises the value of being present and making conscious choices about how to spend time, rather than simply exchanging time for money. He introduces his upcoming book, which aims to document critical success factors for sustainable change and people leadership, and encourages listeners to adopt a more ambitious and strategic approach to their own goals in 2025. The episode serves as a motivational reminder to think differently and take actionable steps towards achieving personal and professional aspirations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ol>
<li>
Value of Time: The importance of prioritising time with loved ones over solely focusing on work and financial goals is important, to consciously make choices on how to spend your time.
</li>
<li>
Goal Setting: Setting ambitious and meaningful goals is crucial. Instead of waiting for a new year or a specific date, one should take immediate action towards their aspirations, ensuring that goals are strategic, meaningful, ambitious, real, and targeted.
</li>
<li>
Reflection and Learning: Taking time to reflect on past experiences, such as completing marathons, can provide valuable insights into personal growth and the importance of gradual progress in achieving larger goals.
</li>
<li>
Authentic Connection: Building authentic connections and relationships is essential for personal and professional growth. The focus should be on championing and coaching others while maintaining a leadership role.
</li>
<li>
Daily Actions for Change: To achieve significant differences in life, it is necessary to think differently and take consistent actions towards goals every day. Small, incremental steps can lead to substantial progress over time.
</li>
</ol>
BEST MOMENTS
<ol>
<li>
"If there's something that actually makes you feel that you want to succeed, then you've got to really double down and go for it."&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
"At the time when I might be ready, they might not want me."&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
"You have to think and do different to achieve difference."&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
"I want to provide an opportunity for other people to find about these things that I believe are the critical success factors for sustainable change."&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
"Make sure it's by a particular date that you're aiming for."&nbsp;
</li>
</ol>
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack &amp; India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business &amp; personal development material.
Lee Houghton is &ldquo;THE Business Problem Solver&rdquo;, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

Reflections from 2024

Lee Horton addresses a critical challenge faced by change teams in large organisations: the need to practice what they preach. He emphasises the importance of change teams not only facilitating change for others but also engaging in self-improvement and problem-solving within their own functions. Lee discusses the necessity of creating a supportive environment that encourages the identification and resolution of problems, rather than outsourcing all improvement efforts to change teams. He advocates for empowering individuals at all levels to treat continuous improvement as part of their daily roles, ensuring that change teams are focused on meaningful work that aligns with the organisation's goals. Tune in for insights on how to enable change teams to succeed and make improvement a collective responsibility.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Practice What You Preach: Change teams often fail to apply the principles of change management to their own processes, which can hinder their effectiveness. It's essential for these teams to embody the change they advocate for.


Empower Problem Solving: Organisations should create an environment that encourages individuals to identify and solve problems proactively, rather than relying solely on change teams to address issues.


Prioritise Meaningful Work: Change teams should focus on strategic problem definitions and prioritise their activities based on organisational goals, rather than just responding to the loudest voices or immediate demands.


Continuous Improvement as a Core Activity: Improvement should be integrated into the daily roles of all employees, encouraging them to take ownership of their processes and suggest enhancements.


Collaborative Approach to Change: Successful change initiatives require collaboration across departments, with change teams facilitating improvements rather than being solely responsible for them. This collective effort is crucial for achieving organisational goals.

BEST MOMENTS

"Change teams hate more than anybody else having to go through and be changed."

"We need to create the right safe environment where problems can be found, opportunities can be found, ideas can be had and shared."

"The change team is not there to just deliver the wish list of a single person."

"If we can get over that, then we can create the right environment to deliver change successfully."

"Do not let your change team fail because of poorly set up and not working on the right stuff."

HOST BIO

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

Lee Horton addresses a critical challenge faced by change teams in large organisations: the need to practice what they preach. He emphasises the importance of change teams not only facilitating change for others but also engaging in self-improvement and problem-solving within their own functions. Lee discusses the necessity of creating a supportive environment that encourages the identification and resolution of problems, rather than outsourcing all improvement efforts to change teams. He advocates for empowering individuals at all levels to treat continuous improvement as part of their daily roles, ensuring that change teams are focused on meaningful work that aligns with the organisation's goals. Tune in for insights on how to enable change teams to succeed and make improvement a collective responsibility.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ol>
<li>
Practice What You Preach: Change teams often fail to apply the principles of change management to their own processes, which can hinder their effectiveness. It's essential for these teams to embody the change they advocate for.
</li>
<li>
Empower Problem Solving: Organisations should create an environment that encourages individuals to identify and solve problems proactively, rather than relying solely on change teams to address issues.
</li>
<li>
Prioritise Meaningful Work: Change teams should focus on strategic problem definitions and prioritise their activities based on organisational goals, rather than just responding to the loudest voices or immediate demands.
</li>
<li>
Continuous Improvement as a Core Activity: Improvement should be integrated into the daily roles of all employees, encouraging them to take ownership of their processes and suggest enhancements.
</li>
<li>
Collaborative Approach to Change: Successful change initiatives require collaboration across departments, with change teams facilitating improvements rather than being solely responsible for them. This collective effort is crucial for achieving organisational goals.
</li>
</ol>
BEST MOMENTS
"Change teams hate more than anybody else having to go through and be changed."
"We need to create the right safe environment where problems can be found, opportunities can be found, ideas can be had and shared."
"The change team is not there to just deliver the wish list of a single person."
"If we can get over that, then we can create the right environment to deliver change successfully."
"Do not let your change team fail because of poorly set up and not working on the right stuff."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack &amp; India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business &amp; personal development material.
Lee Houghton is &ldquo;THE Business Problem Solver&rdquo;, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

Stop letting your change team FAIL

Lee explores the dual roles of change teams within businesses likening them to doctors and fitness instructors. He emphasises the importance of aligning change initiatives with long-term strategic goals rather than focusing solely on short-term fixes. Lee discusses the critical need for change teams to enhance their image and exposure by demonstrating their contributions to organisational success. He advocates for breaking down silos between functions and fostering collaboration towards a common destination, ultimately enabling teams to work more effectively together. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own change processes and consider how to better align daily activities with overarching objectives for sustained improvement.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Change Teams' Focus: Change teams can be likened to either doctors, who address specific pain points and problems, or fitness instructors, who focus on building capability and skills within the organisation. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective change management.


Long-term vs. Short-term Thinking: Organisations often prioritise short-term gains over long-term success, which can lead to the undervaluation of change teams. A strategic approach should focus on aligning activities with long-term goals rather than just immediate fixes.


Importance of Image and Exposure: Career success is influenced by performance (10%), image (30%), and exposure (60%). Change teams need to effectively communicate their value and contributions to enhance their image and increase their visibility within the organisation.


Alignment with Strategic Intent: For change teams to be effective, their activities must align with the organisation's strategic goals. This requires clear communication and understanding of how daily contributions support the overall destination the organisation is trying to achieve.


Collaboration Over Competition: Breaking down silos between different functions (e.g., finance, sales, operations, HR) is essential for achieving collective success. By connecting on a shared purpose and destination, teams can work together more effectively and maximise the value of their contributions.

BEST MOMENTS


"Change teams often chase short-term victories over long-term success because everybody's trying to justify the job that they're doing." 


"We need to connect together on a destination and achieve success together. Don't compete, connect."


"If you can demonstrate to people that your change teams are supportive of your destination, it will enable them to increase their positive image." 


"We need to gain real alignment and connection to people, daily contribution to the strategic intent." 


"Nobody comes to work to do a bad job, but we just don't help them do a good job." 

HOST BIO

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

Lee explores the dual roles of change teams within businesses likening them to doctors and fitness instructors. He emphasises the importance of aligning change initiatives with long-term strategic goals rather than focusing solely on short-term fixes. Lee discusses the critical need for change teams to enhance their image and exposure by demonstrating their contributions to organisational success. He advocates for breaking down silos between functions and fostering collaboration towards a common destination, ultimately enabling teams to work more effectively together. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own change processes and consider how to better align daily activities with overarching objectives for sustained improvement.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ol>
<li>
Change Teams' Focus: Change teams can be likened to either doctors, who address specific pain points and problems, or fitness instructors, who focus on building capability and skills within the organisation. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective change management.
</li>
<li>
Long-term vs. Short-term Thinking: Organisations often prioritise short-term gains over long-term success, which can lead to the undervaluation of change teams. A strategic approach should focus on aligning activities with long-term goals rather than just immediate fixes.
</li>
<li>
Importance of Image and Exposure: Career success is influenced by performance (10%), image (30%), and exposure (60%). Change teams need to effectively communicate their value and contributions to enhance their image and increase their visibility within the organisation.
</li>
<li>
Alignment with Strategic Intent: For change teams to be effective, their activities must align with the organisation's strategic goals. This requires clear communication and understanding of how daily contributions support the overall destination the organisation is trying to achieve.
</li>
<li>
Collaboration Over Competition: Breaking down silos between different functions (e.g., finance, sales, operations, HR) is essential for achieving collective success. By connecting on a shared purpose and destination, teams can work together more effectively and maximise the value of their contributions.
</li>
</ol>
BEST MOMENTS
<ul>
<li>
"Change teams often chase short-term victories over long-term success because everybody's trying to justify the job that they're doing." 
</li>
<li>
"We need to connect together on a destination and achieve success together. Don't compete, connect."
</li>
<li>
"If you can demonstrate to people that your change teams are supportive of your destination, it will enable them to increase their positive image." 
</li>
<li>
"We need to gain real alignment and connection to people, daily contribution to the strategic intent." 
</li>
<li>
"Nobody comes to work to do a bad job, but we just don't help them do a good job." 
</li>
</ul>
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack &amp; India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business &amp; personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

What is a Problem?

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