Another key leadership attribute – Problem Solving
Much of what we do as managers involves solving problems. Our ability to do that well will enhance our upward mobility. Sounds obvious doesn’t it! The problem arises when the standard approach to unraveling a problem doesn’t seem to work. The average performers sometimes just try the same old approach by working harder. They push the approach that didn’t work last time thinking it’s just a matter of effort. The superior leader takes a step back and looks at the broader picture. What may have changed in the environment? Is there a different set of drivers acting here now than before? What are they? How can we measure them, mitigate them?
Do we need to look elsewhere for information? Are we talking to all the different constituencies involved? Do we really understand the agenda of these new players? Where can we go to get more information? Do we even know all the questions we should be asking? How diverse are our contacts? 
The key to all of these questions is staying flexible. When we realize that things change and know that being able to adjust to the change and being willing to alter our approach will yield a different result – then we are on the right track.