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Irial OFarrell
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The Manager's Dilemma: How to Empower Your Team's Problem-Solving (Performance Development Series) Paperback – September 3, 2021

by Irial OFarrell (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 45 ratings
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***Amazon Best Seller***

Find yourself overwhelmed by the number of issues escalated up to your desk?
Like most managers, you’re a great problem-solver. So, what do you do when a team member brings you an issue? Yep, just like most managers, automatic reflex kicks in, you dive straight into it and sort the issue out. Which is great for that one issue. But what about the 10s or 100s of other issues that arrive on your desk daily? And more importantly, where do these 100s of issues arrive from?

Maybe you have a Merv on your team. Merv excels at problem identification; not so hot on problem solving. Your Merv thinks problem solving is your job. That’s why he keeps dropping problems on your desk. Should he?

What about Damon? His solutions focus on solving the symptom, not the root cause. Do you end up sorting out messes that your Damon’s “solutions” create?

Or how about Lisa? You know she knows the right answer but she doesn’t know she knows the right answer. She regularly defers to you, looking for your approval. If your Lisa could build her self-confidence, would that free you up?

If you’d like to develop your Merv, Damon or Lisa’s problem-solving skills, this is the book for you.

Based on unique insights gained from working with hundreds of managers, and interweaving theory and real-world scenarios, follow Trish and her team as you explore:
  • The 3 valid reasons of escalation
  • The steps of problem-solving (there’s more than you think!)
  • How your mindset is contributing to the dynamic and what your options are
  • The 5 most common team member profiles and prompts on how to empower each of them
  • A bonus team profile
  • Guidance on how to introduce this leading-edge approach to your team

Are you ready to start empowering your team and freeing up your time?
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Part of series
    Performance Development Series
  2. Print length
    180 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 3, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.41 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1838073140
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1838073145
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"For those stuck in the manager's dilemma, this book provides a practical roadmap to get out of it. The author writes in a style that makes it accessible for all and poses questions that makes the reader think and guides them to reflect on their own team. 5 stars, thoroughly recommend." - Elle Carroll, Executive Leader

"Provides a comprehensive guide to empowering team members through enabling the reader to understand the drivers behind team members' approach to problem-solving and providing decision pathways to universal scenarios faced by managers. A clear and structured guide to enhancing team problem-solving abilities. 5 stars" - Damien Ruigrok, Senior Manager

"A clear and concise guide to support senior executives as they work to create problem solving as a core capability within their teams. Successfully pushing decision making accountabilities down the chain of command releases exec time to focus on the more strategic-level directioning. Easier said than done - this books helps business execs navigate the journey. 5 stars." - Aoife Lucey, Director

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nielsen (September 3, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 180 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1838073140
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1838073145
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.41 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 45 ratings

About the author

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Irial OFarrell

Irial OFarrell

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Okay, I admit it…I’m a “people-and-performance” geek!

Is that a phrase? I don’t know but I can tell you that since my very first job in Australia, I have been endlessly fascinated with what makes people tick in the workplace and how that collectively combines to impact the business’ performance. This endless curiosity has allowed my 25+ year career evolve from financial services operations to management to learning & development to executive coaching to strategy, organisation design and change management.

Oh, did I mention that I have an exceptionally high level of abstract reasoning?

I do, and my absolute all-time favourite place to apply it is to the human dynamics that impact on business performance. I told you I’m a people-and-performance geek! Seeing the patterns which prompt my curious questions leads to diagnosing the root causes of clients’ performance challenges. That allows me to design some really innovative solutions and monitor how they work out.

The third thing to know about me is that I love to figure out how to get people to their A-ha moments, so they actively make the changes they need t, that result in increased performance. A favourite technique is to walk them down alternative future paths, so they can make their own informed choice. One of my oft-used phrases is: you can make any decision you want, so long as it’s from a position of awareness.

Combining my curiosity and abstract reasoning, I have built up very deep and unique insights into how best to design and implement leadership and management tools, so that they actually deliver the desired results. I have zero interest in tick-boxing. From my own 10 years as a manager, I have experienced the power of high-performing teams. I know that power is real and I want other leaders to experience it and benefit too.

Finally, I love writing. I don’t think I clearly realised this until 2011, when the urge to write grabbed me and I ended up writing Values – Not Just for the Office Wall Plaque, based on the wonderfully transformative effect understanding my own personal values had on me. Life got in the way for several years (as it does) and I didn’t back to writing until COVID hit in 2020.

I’m on a bit of a writing-roll now and I’m intent on sharing my deep expertise and cutting-edge insights through my books. Next up is my 4th book, which will focus on how to give effective feedback.

When I’m not writing books, or working with clients to increase their performance, I’m hanging out with family and friends, reading books, running, travelling the world or watching quiz shows. I also love a good murder mystery.

If learning about leadership and management tools and skills that really drive business performance is of interest to you, follow me on Amazon and keep up-to-date with all my news. Or visit me at www.evolutionconsulting.ie and check out how I can help you and your performance challenges.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
45 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Bill Miller
    5.0 out of 5 stars The manager’s handbook and GPS for navigating challenging issues
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The author has a training and management background which provides a great foundation for her book. By using the same team of people all the way through, she helps with what drives promotions vs getting things done after that manager promotion. This will help every new manager and many existing managers with how to do problem resolution and issue tracking. The reader will learn how to educate themselves and their team on how and when to escalate to the manager. The “when” is one of the hardest things to learn because it’s out of the comfort zones at the beginning.

    But once the reader gets through all the situational education, it will improve day to day management and communications among the manager and the team.

    There is use of tables, summaries, examples, and a couple of worksheets to guide the reader and manager. All in all, this is a terrific guide for managers.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Iuliana
    5.0 out of 5 stars A useful guide for managers, but also for coaches
    Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Here’s the manager’s dilemma approached in this book: “will the skill of empowering my team’s problem-solving be as valued and rewarding as the proven rewards associated with my ability to solve problems?” As a coach, I meet managers - especially at low and middle levels - struggling with this. The answer is definitely yes; we should empower teams to do the problem-solving because this approach would save money, free time for the manager and engage the teams.
    How we do this? The author introduces the reader to the steps to problem solving and provides suggestion about how to approach challenges when managing teams. A useful guide for managers, but also for coaches.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Framework for Managers & Team Members that Will Change Your Leadership!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a must-have for any leader or team member! The author brings clarity into why so many managers are overwhelmed with things to do, and offers helpful and actionable frameworks to coach your team in problem-solving.

    The author's expertise shines through as case studies and examples are provided that demonstrate the book's central message and bring greater clarity into how managers can best lead their teams.

    Throughout the book, you'll find written prompts that help you actually implement these essential skills into your leadership. This book will help you to take action immediately with your team!
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  • J. GOODMAN
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on leading teams and problem solving
    Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is an excellent book on leading teams and problem solving. The problem solving framework introduced in the book is very effective and can apply to various scenarios. I found the case studies to be valuable. Overall, this book provided great strategies on how to empower your team members and foster an environment of collaboration and teamwork.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nadine Chetty
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have Guide For Manager
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2021
    As an Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant I see a lot of my clients struggle with the challenges presented in The Manager's Dilemma. Which is why I loved this book and I am going to recommend it to all my coaching clients. It addressed challenges of team leadership and problem solving in a every practical actionable way.

    Every part of the book is provides practical guidance to help managers become more effective at leading teams and helping them to problem solve. Though it is especially helpful to those managers struggling to move from being an individual contributor to leading a team, I also think it is a great resource for any manager as a go to guide when stuck with team effectiveness issues.

    I really liked the framework that makes it easy to diagnose problem solving challenges that managers face. The cases studies and examples in the book give practical real world perspective on how to develop the team and individual team members. The book has a wonderful conversational style that uses the manager as a coach, this along with the prompts throughout the book helps to develop the key skills that managers need to help them lead effective teams.
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  • Scott B. Allan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Top level Training for Issue Tracking and Problem Solving in Business!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    If you need a book on leading teams and problem solving, then The Manager's Dilemma is the book you MUST read NOW. Packed with valuable case studies and loads of experience to back it up, Irial teaches us how and when to escalate a case to the manager and the best approach to getting results.

    If you're leading a team or you're on a team, this is a book that should be read by anyone looking to get results and bind the team together through communication and fair business tactics.

    A definite must have for business owners or executives, to better manage the day to day operations of any business!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ann Gatewood
    5.0 out of 5 stars Practical solutions for problem solving!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Using a story-telling approach, the author provides practical examples and solutions for how a manager can lead a team through effective problem-solving. Rather than trying to re-invent techniques, like SMART objective setting, she applies those proven techniques in a easy-to-use method that anyone can understand and use!
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  • Alison Spoonmore
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pratical and Actionable
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The author identifies a common issue with new managers - the need to intentionally shift from player to coach - and provides structure that is actionable and practical in the arena of problem solving. The case study thread through the chapters assist the reader in application, including team analysis and steps to coach for individual and team effectiveness. Very useful for coaching new managers!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • James Michael
    5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant resource to empower managers to build their team!
    Reviewed in Australia on September 12, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This insightful and practical book provides a powerful framework to develop the managers approach as a coach. Full of real life conversations, case studies and situations it clearly outlines an alternative approach to merely solving problems for the team by empowering them to increase their capacity. It demonstrates the very real power of managers to equip people and transform the capacity of the organisation into a high performing culture. In summary, this is a powerful, step by step guide to making EVERYONE better! Essential reading for all managers.
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  • Marie Lord
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is simply the BEST INVESTMENT a manager will make!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This incredibly clear and well-structured book on the subject of problem-solving and the complex area of how to develop this skill in your team is a must for anyone who manages people. It lays out a simple and detailed framework that is easy to follow, showing how to diagnose the myriad of issues involved in problem-solving and how to go about the complex business of developing each individual team-member’s competency in the area. As an executive coach working with managers and leaders on a daily basis, I see how time-starved managers are and high levels of stress are the order of the day to meet organisational objectives, this little book is a must.

    The language is, thankfully, free of ‘management-speak’, giving clear examples of a wide range of issues amongst individual team-members, and by using the ‘manager as coach’ approach to facilitate the manager’s development, set each team member’s developmental goal and, importantly how to have these oftentimes challenging conversations with each individual. I have rarely seen this approach illustrated so well.

    Added to this, the author seamlessly incorporates the SMART framework, further aided by the author’s re-engineered RAID technique of project management, what she calls the ‘PASOR Spreadsheet’, which is once again simple to use.

    Whilst it is easy to read, practical and engaging, it is clear that it is underpinned by sound theories and I particularly liked how the author incorporated areas such as EI (Emotional Intelligence), SDT (Self-Determination Theory of Motivation), how individual and organisational values impact behaviours, or not, amongst others to demonstrate to the reader that there will be issues beyond problem-solving skills that can inhibit progress.

    If you are involved in managing people and have a real desire to develop your people to grow and perform to their best—key to building a high performing team—at the same time free up some time and space for you to focus on more strategic issues – this deceptive ‘little’ book is for you

    Highly recommend!

    Marie Lord, Developmental Executive Coach & Coach Supervisor
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  • ricky rivera
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
    Reviewed in Germany on September 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Every coach should have
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  • Tess
    5.0 out of 5 stars Novel approach to a familiar problem
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Dynamic employees are often promoted without any concept of the new skill set required to succeed as a manager.

    While they may revel in the high octane kicks of problem solving, heroically stepping in to steer botched deliverables, in the long run this perpetuates a cycle of dependency within their team.

    Employing the SMART framework, the author focuses on the managers’ mindset to address these unhealthy behavioural patterns. O’Farrell clearly identifies the new competencies needed and explains how to develop or acquire them.

    She explains the importance of investing time looking at employee perspectives - how individuals are often deprived of the chance to discover creative solutions and why they often fail to fire on all pistons.

    The Manager’s DILEMMA reveals underlying static attitudes and behaviours that unwittingly hamper team empowerment. A direct quote from this book struck me as key to achieving this autonomy:

    “The more people have a say in how their work is organised,
    and solutions are implemented,
    the more motivated and engaged they are”

    Written in a fluid style with convincing case-studies, this publication is a critical read and highly relevant in the new hybrid work environment.
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  • May
    5.0 out of 5 stars A practical toolkit!
    Reviewed in Germany on September 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Having 4 years of experience in management, I could relate to many topics presented in this book. Though it is ideal for managers who may be struggling with some issues, it makes an excellent read for all managers. It provides simple logical solutions for common problems encountered by anybody who needs to manage a team of people. The writing is engaging, flowing and enjoyable, especially when presented as conversations. Highly recommended.
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