Recently, I worked with a successful business woman who is desperately seeking to implement procedures in her office that will help her to spend less time solving the problems that her staff is constantly running into. She had come to the point where she would constantly keep her office door closed, so she would not be disturbed. She said, “I can never get my work done, or have the opportunity to bring in new business, because I am constantly solving their problems.” So I asked her to repeat that statement again, but asked her to listen to what she had just said.
As repeating it, her eyes opened up wide and she screeched, “Why did I hire them in the first place!” That’s right. Why did you hire these people? You are a leader, not a problem solver; that is why you had hired them. Granted, a few leaders enjoy being known as the problem solver, it gives them an air of importance; but believe me, this process is only encouraging co-dependency relationships and we all know that is not a healthy place to be. Business owners are the leaders of their organization, the visionary whose main mission in the office is to fulfill that vision and expand the business.

 If you are constantly solving everyone else’s problem, then who is solving yours?? Good leaders come to realise that their most able resource in any problem situation is the people around them. Just as problems do not occur in the vacuum, neither do solutions appear from thin air. It is a mistake for leaders to think that they must solve every problem by themselves. Problem solving, like leadership in general, requires participation of others. Input is needed from all those involved (clients, staff, vendors) before a leader can make hard decisions and set direction for an organization.

There are concrete steps that leaders can take to address problems. Effective leaders are not only proficient in solving problems; they are also skilled in perceiving issues before they become problems.

In this case, the client had two choices: either fire the problem staff or re-interview them and in definite terms make clear what you expect from them. Be sure to inform them, that the next time they come to you with a problem; they need to think of at least two possible solutions – if one of them fits into your decision making process, then that’s the one you will go with. This process will guide them to open up their minds to possibilities, to explore the situation at hand, and personally seek out solutions. And as you confirm the process with them, slowly they begin to expand their confidence level and begin to make firm decisions on their own.
This method can easily apply in your home life; do your kids or spouse constantly come to you with problems, looking for you to solve them. Perhaps it’s time for you to change the process and include them in the decision making process.
This will not only benefit you, but you’ll also be helping them become more responsible and solution oriented thinkers… and heaven knows we could use more of that in our society!

It has been my yearly tradition to start the New Year in Sydney, Australia, spending it with my family including my nephew Anthony 11, and my niece Larissa, who is 10.  They have been my inspiration for all the kids training programs and the upcoming books and gangofhope.com. They are the voices for the Jake and Natalie characters. Watching them grow has also given me a great deal of insight about the development of a child, their habits, character and personality. Through observing them I have come to closely see how much of a sponge they really are. They absorb everything that we adults say and do around them. In my next blog I will share with you my experiences with them on a recent shopping trip.. talk about developing habits and taste.. you know what I mean.

Now, getting back to the start of the new decade, I am very excited as it holds much hope for my passionate dreams. The release of my new documentary, more videos for gang of hope, the launch of PDFS gang of hope for adults, and most importantly, working with women and kids through my workshops and community center. Exciting times indeed!

Happy New Year everyone, remember to release the Genie within, and allow her/him to guide you through your journey to success.  Would love to hear some of year passionate dreams for 2010..

Wednesday October 21, 2009 at 10:00 am PT I will be intervieiwng a dear friend of mine Dr. Elia Gourgouris on Women Love 10/21/2009 – Silva Mirzoian on Blog Talk Radio 

Dr. Gourgouris is a nationally known speaker, relationship coach, and the president of LDSCoaching.com. With over 20 years of experience, he has inspired thousands of individuals and couples to find greater happiness and fulfillment, both in their careers and their personal lives. He holds a degree from UCLA and a Ph.D. in psychology. Dr. Gourgouris speaks to groups around the country regarding women’s issues, self esteem, communications skills, and relationships.
Call in (347) 855-8586 or participate in a live chat. You can also send me question through here.

I was so inspired by hearing women from all walks of life, passionately express in their own words how they deal with their everyday challenges and the ways they wish and do make a difference in someone else’s life. Hearing Delta Burke, one of the stars of “Designing Women” television show, painfully talk about her battle with depression and her weight while on the show. Maya Angelou share words of wisdom, the talented and energized Carol Channing with her husband, an Armenian at that.. Harry Kullijian express deep concerns about our education system, the lack of art programs and creativity. A topic near and dear to my heart, we instantly connected and vowed to make a difference. 

Overall, connected with like-mined people is what encourages our dreams, giving it that fire to keep going. Each one us can make a difference, in someone’s life, in our own way…

Helen Keller once said, ”I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”
What is the one thing that you can do??