E-Tip 222 - 5 Steps to Team Problem Solving and Decision Making

The 5 Steps For Team Problem Solving And Decision Making Are:

Step 1. Situation Analysis - Determine "What is the most important problem?" Brainstorm and have a discussion about possible problems that need solving. As a team leader, note which ones seem to be reoccurring or closely related. Once a few key problems have been identified, bring these to the attention of the team, discuss and debate which one should be solved first and then make a decision and move on to the next phase.

Step 2. Problem Analysis - Next, ask your team, "What are the causes of the problem?" Let everyone have their say but try to avoid letting the meeting turn into a blaming session. After everyone has had a turn, focus the group on what seems to be the top three contributing factors. Write these on a white board for everyone to see.

Step 3. Solution Analysis - Now you can ascertain, "What is the best solution?" Brainstorm for solutions and have the team agree on several complementary solutions that will combine to overcome the problem at hand.

Step 4. Implementation Analysis - The next step is to ask, "How do we implement the solution?" Define and assign specific tasks to people so they each know exactly their responsibility. Make realistic deadlines for these tasks so that they will likely stick to them. Focus on action and assigning responsibility rather than allowing people to hope that the problem will go away on its own.

Step 5. Effectiveness Analysis - As a team leader, question,"How well are solutions being implemented?" Hold people accountable for their deadlines and be sure to use positive reinforcement when deadlines are met and solutions are implemented. If revision to the strategy is necessary, do not be afraid to do so. Discuss things that worked and things that did not at your next meeting so that your team can become more effective problem solvers in the future.

The 5 Competencies For Team Problem Solving Decision Making Are:

1. Teamwork - Great problem solvers and decision makers know how to organize work tasks, people and resources to deliver most effectively on organizational goals.

2. Creative Thinking - Great problem solvers and decision makers are able to innovate. They can incorporate existing ideas and new ideas in a unique approach to resolve issues and capitalize on opportunities.

3. Decision Making - Great problem solvers and decision makers can obtain and understand the facts, weigh the risks and objectively prioritize alternatives that result in decisive action.

4. Interpersonal Skills - Great problem solvers and decision makers display a consistent ability to build solid relationships of trust and respect inside and outside the organization.

5. Change Management - Great problem solvers and decision makers tend to proactively seek opportunities to redirect self, others and the organization to achieve desired results.

Summary: Teams are expected to solve problems and make decisions, often without the best tools for the job. Using these steps as a guide will make it easier to identify and solve problems. For each of these steps, teams would use divergent and convergent thinking. In divergent thinking, or brainstorming, people search for different points of view and ideas. They are free to think in any way that feels natural and comfortable. Then the group would use convergent thinking, to bring everyone back to center where you can discuss and debate and eventually accept a group solution for that step of the process. Using a logical process goes a long way to being organized and solving problems quickly.

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