Identify Goal
Define Problem
Define Problem
Gather Data
Define Causes
Identify Options
Clarify Problem
Generate Ideas
Evaluate Options
Generate Ideas
Choose the Best Solution
Implement Solution
Select Solution
Take Action
MacLeod offers her own problem solving procedure, which echoes the above steps:
“1. Recognize the Problem: State what you see. Sometimes the problem is covert. 2. Identify: Get the facts — What exactly happened? What is the issue? 3. and 4. Explore and Connect: Dig deeper and encourage group members to relate their similar experiences. Now you're getting more into the feelings and background [of the situation], not just the facts. 5. Possible Solutions: Consider and brainstorm ideas for resolution. 6. Implement: Choose a solution and try it out — this could be role play and/or a discussion of how the solution would be put in place. 7. Evaluate: Revisit to see if the solution was successful or not.”
Many of these problem solving techniques can be used in concert with one another, or multiple can be appropriate for any given problem. It’s less about facilitating a perfect CPS session, and more about encouraging team members to continually think outside the box and push beyond personal boundaries that inhibit their innovative thinking. So, try out several methods, find those that resonate best with your team, and continue adopting new techniques and adapting your processes along the way.
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There’s no doubt that team problem-solving is an excellent way to develop effective solutions to core organizational challenges. Great teams can produce better results 80% of the time, and solving problems together helps the whole team buy into the solution. However, as anyone who has ever been on a team knows, it is one thing to bring people together; it’s another to make them “work” together.
You will not achieve optimal results if you have a disengaged or chaotic team , but even high-performing teams must manage and work through obstacles that can prevent successful team problem-solving. We’ve identified 6 common barriers to team problem-solving that all leaders need to be aware of in order to best manage the problem-solving process and harness the full potential of the team.
Working in a team can bring up competitive feelings among team members. While competition has upsides, it can come at the cost of reduced cooperation. It is also important for team members to understand that the competition isn’t necessary – because the solution is designed to generate success for the group – not just one person.
Ensure your team understands that the success of the team and the larger organization is a “we” mission, and individual rivalries must be set aside. Focus your team on shared goals and de-emphasize individual rewards. While leaders can and should recognize individual team members, be wary of over-recognizing any one individual and ensure that any celebration centers on the contributions of all team members.
It can be tempting to execute what you think is a great idea from one team member without adequate discussion and confirmation from other members. Make it a point to seek additional input from all your team members to gain their perspectives and learn about new possible solutions. It may be that the initial idea is excellent and has broad support throughout the team, and it is just as likely that other team members have a better solution. It is important not to push decisions or solutions through too quickly to not allow for adequate discussion and confirmation as a team.
If a team has not adopted a problem-solving framework or they lack a sense of purpose, it may be likely that they are uncertain of their objectives – or guidelines they need to follow to create a solution. Even the most ambitious team without direction or guidance is unlikely to achieve its goals. Having solid objectives will set the standard of performance for your team and motivate them to work with success in mind.
A lack of time can lead to quick and sometimes poor decisions. Allow for the most appropriate amount of time needed based on the importance and level of risk of the problem and solution. Do not let time push you too quickly – or prevent you from moving forward. Although deadlines are important, they should not be an excuse to compromise on the quality of the solution.
Most teams consist of people who love brainstorming and thinking out loud and others who prefer to think things through independently. It’s normal to have a mix of internal and external processing styles , and to get the best solutions for your team, it’s important to create an environment where everyone can feel comfortable participating.
Take the time to identify team member preferences and develop ways to engage people’s thinking ahead of time so those who think best outside of a group setting can come prepared with ideas so they can participate equally.
Sometimes, the team morale may be low, or the obstacles may feel too large to generate commitment and perseverance. In these cases, team members and team leaders are responsible for encouraging the team and communicating their own individual commitment and beliefs in the team’s capability to be successful. Take the time to slow down in order to speed up, and spend time rallying the team in order to increase overall performance.
Understanding and tackling these barriers to team problem-solving will prepare you and your team to handle larger and more complex challenges – leading to greater success for the team and the organization.
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Fear of failure. One of the most common barriers to problem solving is fear of failure. Fear can prevent us from taking risks and trying new things, preventing us from achieving our goals. Overcoming this fear is vital to success. Several ways to reduce or eliminate fear include practice, visualization, and positive self-talk.
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Breaking Down Barriers. There are multiple ways to get around critical thinking barriers. One way is to have learners choose a topic of choice and write a paper demonstrating a variety of approaches to solve a problem on the chosen topic. Teachers can use real-life situations, such as car buying, as examples when strengthening critical thinking ...
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In this series, we explore the barriers to and the best methods for effective problem solving and what skills differentiate good problem solvers. Here are the most common barriers to successful problem solving: Confirmation Bias: The tendency to only search for or interpret information that confirms a person's existing ideas. People ...
What Are Problem-Solving Skills? Definition and Examples
Common barriers to problem-solving include an incorrect diagnosis of the problem. This could be due to preconceived ideas, biases, or judgments. Defining a problem is the hardest step in the process of problem-solving because this is the foundation on which your entire strategy is built. If you're not careful, you may end up spending all your ...
Now we discuss how to overcome Common Challenges in Problem-Solving: A. Emotional barriers and biases: 1. Self-awareness: Recognize and acknowledge your emotions and biases that may hinder the problem-solving process. ... Problem-solving skills are highly valuable in the workplace as they enable individuals to address challenges, make informed ...
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In summary, this lesson focuses on recognizing and overcoming common challenges that hinder effective problem-solving. By acknowledging the barriers of inadequate information, rigid thinking, and time constraints, and by utilizing strategies such as thorough research, embracing diverse perspectives, and practicing efficient time management ...
2. Lack of Knowledge. CT skills are key components of what CT is, and in order to conduct it, one must know how to use these skills. Not knowing the skills of CT—analysis, evaluation, and ...
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Balance divergent and convergent thinking. Ask problems as questions. Defer or suspend judgement. Focus on "Yes, and…" rather than "No, but…". According to Carella, "Creative problem solving is the mental process used for generating innovative and imaginative ideas as a solution to a problem or a challenge.
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The main barriers to problem solving and how to overcome them. Daily in our lives we encounter small or big problems, from challenges, obstacles, disputes, confrontations to other stressful situations. To make it easier on ourselves, it is therefore of importance to have the ability to solve such phenomenons in a timely and effective manner.
We've identified 6 common barriers to team problem-solving that all leaders need to be aware of in order to best manage the problem-solving process and harness the full potential of the team. 1. Increased Competition. Working in a team can bring up competitive feelings amongst team members. While competition has upsides, it can come at the ...
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As to why this is the case, we need to consider the Asian learning-sociocultural context as a contributing factor. Asian students are more familiar with algebra problem-solving as opposed to non-algebra problem-solving strategies (Cai, Citation 2000; Ngu et al., Citation 2018). Thus, we reason that Asian students in this study, irrespective of ...
Patients' preoccupation (76.5%), lack of specific training (76.3%), lack of clinical problem-solving skills (74.6%) and lack of a private consultation room (74.6%) were the most commonly reported barriers to ECPS. Conclusions Community pharmacists demonstrated unsatisfactory levels of attitude and willingness towards ECPS provision.