543: The 1-3-1 Problem Solving Method

543: The 1-3-1 Problem Solving Method

Author: Henry Lopez October 28, 2024 Duration: 37:02

1-3-1 Problem Solving Method, a simple yet effective approach to empower your team to independently tackle and solve problems in your small business.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/542-employee-on-boarding/

**Episode Summary: The 1-3-1 Problem Solving Method for Small Business Owners**

Co-hosts Henry Lopez and David Begin introduce the 1-3-1 Problem Solving Method, a simple yet effective approach to empower your team to independently tackle challenges.

This method encourages critical thinking, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving by guiding team members to define a problem, brainstorm three possible solutions, and then recommend one solution to implement.

As a small business owner, you don't have to be the Chief Problem Solver. By teaching your team to use the 1-3-1 method, you can delegate decision-making, develop your team's leadership skills, and free yourself to focus on strategic activities.

We'll walk through how to introduce this method to your team, using real-world examples, and share tips on how to foster a culture of independent problem-solving.

Key benefits of the 1-3-1 Method include:

- Empowering teams to solve problems on their own.

- Reducing dependency on management for day-to-day issues.

- Accelerating decision-making.

- Encouraging proactive, strategic thinking and boosting accountability.

Listen to this podcast episode to learn how to implement this method and develop a more self-sufficient, confident, and capable team.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com


Henry Lopez hosts The How of Business-How to start, run, grow and exit a small business. It’s a practical resource for anyone who wants to move beyond just the idea of entrepreneurship and into the actual work of building something. Each week, the focus is on the tangible steps and decisions involved in a business’s entire lifecycle, from that initial launch through to managing daily operations, scaling up, and even planning a future exit. You’ll hear straightforward conversations that dig into specific topics, breaking down complex challenges into manageable advice. Often, Henry sits down with a small business owner who shares their real-world experiences-the successes and the setbacks-offering a genuine look at what it takes. This podcast is built on the understanding that running a business is a series of learned skills, and it aims to provide those lessons without fluff. Whether you're sketching your first plan on a napkin or steering an established company toward growth, the discussions here are meant to be directly applicable to your own journey. Tune in for a regular dose of clarity and concrete strategies from someone who understands the day-to-day realities you face.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.
Podcast Episodes
587 – Eisenhower Matrix Prioritization [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:14
How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to cut through chaos, focus on what truly matters, and make faster, smarter decisions as a small business owner. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/587-eisenhower-matrix-pr…
R393 – Rethinking Hourly Worker Motivation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:14
Motivating hourly employees starts with a mindset shift. To do it well, it requires rethinking how we lead, communicate, and create purpose for hourly workers. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r393-rethi…
586 – The Power of Play in Business with Cas Holman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:10
Toy designer and educator Cas Holman explores how embracing play can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help small business owners reframe failure as part of growth. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/5…
585 – Crafting Your Sales Pitch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:56
Learn a simple, repeatable framework for crafting an effective sales pitch that connects, communicates value, and inspires action. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/585-crafting-your-sales-pitch/ Crafting…
584 – Essential Legal Tips with Wesley Henderson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:46
Attorney and entrepreneur Wesley Henderson shares practical legal insights every small business owner needs to protect their business and operate with confidence. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/584-wes…
583 – Scaling a Software Startup with Joshua Talbert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:10
Engineer-turned-entrepreneur Joshua Talbert shares his journey from defense contractor to tech startup founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/583-josh-talbert-software-startup/…
582 – Broken Windows Theory for Small Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
How small signs of disorder in your workplace can erode culture, safety, and customer trust, and how fixing them builds pride and small business success. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/582-broken-windo…
581 – Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies with Sasha Millstein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:59
Entrepreneur Sasha Millstein shares her journey launching Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies and scaling this frozen comfort food brand from idea to shelves. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/581-sasha-millstein-aunt-…
R355 – 4 Reasons to Delegate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:16
Four compelling reasons why mastering delegation is essential for every small business owner. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r355-4-reasons-to-delegate/ Henry Lopez shares why effective delegation is o…
580 – Unlocking Hidden Profits with Jamie Trull [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:00
How small business owners can unlock hidden profits by optimizing financial levers and making smarter money decisions. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/580-jamie-trull-unlocking-hidden-profits/ Small bus…