“don’t Bring Me Problems—bring Me Solutions!” - PDF Download

"Don’t Bring Me Problems—Bring Me Solutions!"
I recently heard Frances Frei, an associate professor in the Technology and Operations Management Unit at Harvard Business School, comment that “one of the more counterproductive things a manager can say is ‘Don’t bring me problems— bring me solutions!’” I wanted to hear more—and thought that HMU’s readers would want to listen in.
This article appeared in the March 2007 issue of Harvard Management Update.

This is the most difficult part in handling associates,giving solutions instead of problems.

Good 'perspective' shared. Thanks
THAT is a familiar well framed 'adornment' to be found on the Tables of many Managers.
Most instances, it CAN result in subordinates 'suppressing/hiding problems' for fear of NOT being listened/heeded to - as they do not have solutions.
It can also be an 'easy cover' for a Manager to escape 'tackling problems' or 'providing solutions'.
Truly - the 'adornment' - while being catchy/flashy can be unproductive !
IF the Manager has developed his subordinates, the 'adornment' would be a 'good motivator for the subordinates to take initiatives to work out solutions' and a 'proud display of the Manager's confidence in them'