Reader:

Why asking questions provides better answers while building better leaders.

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Morning Minute (1.7.26)

“Holding People Accountable — the Right Way.”

A team member comes to you with a problem for you to solve. You can solve it for them, or teach them how to think. How you respond will either empower them to develop problem-solving skills, or train them to depend on you for every answer. One approach builds accountability. The other creates a micro-manager.

Before responding, you need to understand why they are asking for help. Sometimes, they don’t want to be accountable for the outcome.

Or, they simply haven’t learned how to analyze and solve problems.

Either way, your role as a leader is the same. Teach them a better process while still arriving at the best solution.

I recommend using these four questions. They will help all to clearly understand the issue, uncover the causes, arrive at better solutions, and develop your people’s critical thinking skills.

Use these 4 questions to guide the conversation:

1. What exactly is the problem?​
Many times, what they describe is only a symptom, not the real problem. Require them to clearly identify and isolate the true issue that needs to be solved.

2. What are all the causes that created the problem?​
Their initial explanation may not be accurate. Usually, multiple factors contribute to the problem. This step forces deeper analysis instead of quick assumptions.

3. What are all the possible solutions to the problem?​
For nearly every problem, there are multiple solutions. These may involve one or more of the four Ps: People, Processes, Products, or Promotion. Never accept only one solution. This exercise develops critical thinking and expands perspective.

4. Which solution do you recommend, and why?​
This is the accountability moment. While you may not agree with their recommendation, this step requires them to make a decision, explain their reasoning, and own their solution.

This process was first authored by Dale Carnegie. It forces people to think deeply, analyze causes, and be responsible for solutions. This process helps you develop the future leaders you will need to grow your business, rather than training people to rely on you for all the answers.

MORNING MINUTE CHALLENGE:

The next time someone asks you to solve their problem, use this 4-question format.

You’ll get a better solution, while teaching them how to think, decide, and be accountable.

“Holding People Accountable — The Right Way.”

That is today’s Morning Minute.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Bonorato Creative Group will be restructuring how we serve our clients and subscribers. From the input of people like yourself we have learned that there are many more opportunities to serve you. If we have not heard from you please share your ideas for improvements and additional services with me directly, either by email at lab@larryonlearning.com, or via text at 864-630-2625. Be assured that any comment or suggestion you share will come directly to me with no filter. I sincerely welcome your recommendations.

We will roll out these improvements later in Q1 of 2026. And, we will share these additional services and new opportunities with you prior to launching them.

I sincerely hope that 2026 will be full of opportunities for you, your team, and your family.

Larry A. Bonorato

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Here are some recent Morning Minutes you may have missed with actionable ideas, useful instruction, and step-by-step methods to help you, your family, and/or your team to be more, do more, and achieve more.

​"Building & Nurturing Strong Relationships!" How much is a relationship really worth? See why creating and maintaining great relationships is absolutely worth the effort? Discover 6 identifiable traits and actions that are present in great relationships. Learn how that the "Golden Rule" impacts the success of relationships with family, friends, associates, and customers.

​"What Will YOU Do Next?" See how that learning from setbacks, mistakes, and disappointments can create a life well-lived. Discover a short story that describes how the author was challenged at an early age with a substantial setback. Learn how that what YOU DO NEXT will determine if you will build better habits, stronger character, and/or real personal discipline!

​"Master Your Emotions for a Successful Life!" By controlling your emotions you create resilience and set yourself on a course toward a more purposeful life. Discover the 6 emotions of anger, fear, joy, envy, hate, and love. Learn specifically how to react to these emotions and use them to improve your relationships, your life, and your success. See how that managing your emotions stets you up for a successful life.

​"FAMILY: Building Your Most Important Team!" This is your guide to creating strong families through love, devotion, and consistent action! Discover 7 key characteristics of strong families. Learn how that shared responsibility, open dialog, setting an example of acceptable behaviors, accepting & demonstrating life skills like honesty & forgiveness, plus personal & financial responsibility develops children into strong adults. Discover the importance of keeping God in your family life!

​"Build Stronger Teams by Building Stronger Leaders!" Training & empowering the right people multiplies your impact creating superior results! Discover the 5 steps you can use to promote, attract, and train strong leaders. Learn why and how that creating stronger leaders creates stronger teams!

​"How BAD Company Corrupts GOOD Character!" Why choosing the right relationships protects your habits, your character, and your destiny! Discover the steps a person goes through to create good character. Learn how that keeping bad company can destroy your character with bad language, bad ideas, and unhealthy actions. Discover how that the company your keep will determine the direction of your life.

(published by Bonorato Creative Group, LLC; all rights reserved)