MSMP 65: Zuzana Dobro on Problem Solving

What Does MSMP 65: Zuzana Dobro on Problem Solving Talk About?

In this episode of the Mads Singers Management Podcast, host Mads Singers and guest Zuzana Dobro discuss the art of problem-solving in management, emphasizing the human element. They explore how building strong relationships with team members is crucial for effective management and productivity. The conversation covers strategies for achieving consensus, the importance of personality assessments like DISC in screening clients, and the value of maintaining a good reputation in the business world. Key topics include communication expectations, decision-making processes, and adapting approaches for larger clients.

Management is ultimately about problem-solving. Oftentimes those answers aren't readily apparent because humans are involved, and they are definitely more complex aspects of any problem!Mads Singers

Who Is Featured on MSMP 65: Zuzana Dobro on Problem Solving?

Zuzana Dobro is a consultant who helps entrepreneurs think transformationally. With over a decade of experience in customer and user experience, she has worked with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and everything in between. She specializes in facilitating teams that cannot reach a consensus, using her objectivity as a non-stakeholder to bring a solution-oriented approach. Zuzana also emphasizes the importance of referring clients to other professionals when she is not the right fit, and maintaining strong professional relationships to protect her reputation.

What Are the Key Takeaways From MSMP 65: Zuzana Dobro on Problem Solving?

• Building relationships with team members is one of the most important aspects of management, leading to a cohesive work environment and increased productivity.
• When seeking consensus, focus on finding the best outcome for everyone rather than winning or losing.
• Using personality assessments like DISC can help managers screen clients and tailor coaching approaches.
• Maintaining a good reputation is vital in the business world, as entrepreneurs share information about service providers.
• Communication strategies must evolve when dealing with larger clients to ensure clarity and alignment.

One of the most important things in management is to build relationships with the people who work for you.Mads Singers

Is MSMP 65: Zuzana Dobro on Problem Solving Worth Listening To?

This episode is highly recommended for managers and entrepreneurs who struggle with the human side of problem-solving. Zuzana Dobro and Mads Singers provide practical insights on building relationships, achieving consensus, and maintaining a strong reputation. The discussion is rich with actionable advice, such as using DISC assessments and setting clear communication expectations.

Who Should Listen to MSMP 65: Zuzana Dobro on Problem Solving?

• New managers
• Entrepreneurs
• Business coaches
• Team leaders

What Are Listeners Saying About This Episode?

Management is ultimately about problem-solving.  Oftentimes those answers aren’t readily apparent because humans are involved, and they are definitely more complex aspects of any problem!

Today’s guest for Mads Singers Management Podcast, Zuzana Dobro, is someone who, like me, likes solving these human problems.  Zuzana helps entrepreneurs think transformationally.  She’s spent over a decade consulting both in house and with agencies on customer and user experience.  She’s worked with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and everything in between.

Early in the episode Zuzana and I talked about relationships.  I noted that there are some people who are particularly talented in SEO but for some reason have absolutely no talent at building relationships.  One of the most important things in management is to build relationships with the people who work for you.  Not only does that make for a more cohesive work environment, it’ll also increase team productivity.

Relationship-building is what Zuzana does when she is working with teams that cannot come to a consensus.  She relishes the chance to brainstorm, facilitate, and use the fact that she’s not a direct stakeholder to bring objectivity and a solution-oriented approach.  I agreed with her and stress with my clients that it’s not about “winning” or “losing” when getting to a consensus for a decision, but finding a solution that presents the best outcome for everyone.

Zuzana asked me about how I screen for clients and I told her one of the very first things I look at is personality, particularly DISC.  If I don’t think I’ll be able to coach someone based on their personality, I won’t take them.  I also put all potential clients through my management course.  The goal here is to try to pre-emptively address some issues so that when we do finally get to coaching, we share a common vocabulary and methodology.  Zuzana noted that when she doesn’t feel comfortable with a potential client she’s very happy to refer that business out and keeps up relationships with colleagues in order to do just that.

Part of keeping up those relationships is keeping your word, and Zuzana talked about how small the business world can be, and how you can’t afford to develop a bad relationship as a management coach: don’t burn bridges as entrepreneurs are always sharing information...as well as the names of good, as well as bad, service providers with each other.

Key Learning Points:

 1. Mads shares a weakness of those who excel in SEO - 6:58

2. Zuzana notes a key trait of good managers - 9:35

3. Mads underlines the importance of setting expectations of communication with clients - 12:35

4. Zuzana reminds us that reputation really does matter - 16:35

5. Mads explains how he screens for clients - 20:35

6. Mads discusses a strategy for shaping decisions prior to a meeting - 25:40

7. Zuzana offers an alternative strategy when there isn’t consensus prior to a meeting - 30:13

8. Mads talks about the difference between outcomes and solutions - 41:10

9. Mads notes how communication has to change when chasing bigger clients - 43:00

Connect with Zuzana Dobro:

 1. Zuzana Dobro