No More “Minnesota Nice”: Why Honesty Is Key in Addressing Issues
Here in the upper Midwest, we have this concept called “Minnesota nice.”
If you are “Minnesota nice,” you are passive aggressive. If you’re involved in an uncomfortable situation, you basically say, “Let’s just ignore it!” — without actually saying so, of course.
No one ever accuses me of being “Minnesota nice.”
Instead, people tell me I’m straightforward — no sugarcoating.
In fact, when I moved here from Chicago 11 years ago, I worked on a nonprofit board and was subsequently let go because I was too honest (“too Chicago-ish”). In other words, I identified some issues that needed to be addressed that no one else wanted to address.
The 2 Steps to Address an Issue
I learned from that experience that there are different ways of addressing issues.
I am still straightforward, but I know that how you deliver news is contingent on the relationship you have with the person you are talking to.
I’ve found there are two main steps to understanding how to address an issue.
1. Build Trust
The first step is building trust. Like you, I’m more inclined to accept criticism from someone I know and trust than a mere acquaintance.
2. Understand Your Audience
The second step is understanding your audience. And for that, you need to understand the four different types of people when it comes to dealing with problems.
The 4 Types of Problem Solvers
1. Doers
Doers are folks who are direct and to the point. They are hard charging, visionary, and on the pathway to accomplishing their goals.
While they do have an ego and like to hear the good things they are doing, doers are also realists, understanding that things need to be better.
Doers understand the big picture and don’t need the full understanding of the details prior to making a decision.
How I deal with doers: Because these individuals have a “get to the point” philosophy, I usually go “Chicagoan” on them and speak without a lot of fanfare.
2. Controllers
Controllers are folks who are fact based. They like to know all the details before making a decision.
With these individuals, you need to not only prove that the situation is a problem, but also explain what the impact will be if your implemented recommendation is put in place.
How I deal with controllers: I prove out the issue, map out the solution, and walk them through it in detail.
3. Supporters
Supporters are folks who keep the peace. They need the reassurance of others prior to moving forward, and they like to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
When supporters encounter conflict, they like to be shown that others are having these same issues and learn how they solved them.
How I deal with supporters: Along with encouraging supporters that their issue is not unique, I work with supporters to help their leadership teams see the same issue (and resolution) to seal the deal.
4. Talkers
Talkers are folks who will think out loud by talking through an issue. They are what you might call external processors.
With talkers, you need to get to the point fast. If you aren’t careful, you won’t get a word in edgewise!
How I deal with talkers: Along with “cutting to the chase” with talkers, I am always ready to talk about the issue and solution until they are convinced we’ve arrived at the correct answer.
Which Type Are You?
You need to be who you are.
As you can probably guess, I’m a doer. Honesty is an important trait to me, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve been successful with my clients.
But there’s no “right” type of problem solver.
I’ve found that resolving an issue is all in the delivery. As long as I assure my clients I am going to help them solve their problem — and walk with them to get it executed — we have no problem at all.
If you’re ready to start figuring out your business problems (or at least figure out which type of problem solver you are), reach out for an initial meeting.