Episode 195: Great Problem Solving Comes From Critical Thinking (Leadership Development)

The People Strategy Podcast

Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery.

In this episode…

Problem-solving and critical thinking are essential skills for conflict resolution, yet they require problem-led leadership to execute. Leaders must navigate complex challenges while fostering collaboration and preventing team burnout. How can leaders refine these skills to drive actionable solutions and maintain a productive team environment?

While leaders and managers must direct their teams to identify the problem and its impact on the organization, they shouldn’t devise solutions. Instead, IT director Adam Gruszcynski suggests coaching your team to resolve the conflict by empowering them with critical thinking and problem-solving techniques. This may involve eliciting three diverse solutions and encouraging team members to think critically about the results or consequences. Communication and collaboration are essential to agreeing on viable solutions.

In the final episode of The People Strategy Podcast’s Leadership Development Series, Traci Austin and Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, discuss the interplay between conflict resolution, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Together, they explore strategies for prioritizing issues, ensuring transparent communication, and preventing team fatigue during prolonged problem-solving sessions.

Sponsor for this episode…

The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results.

Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product.

The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders.

Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success.

Learn more and sign up today!