Team Engagement Journey > Team Engagement Toolbox > Problem Solving

Problem Solving

A SCHOOL TOOL: LEARNING & GROWTH

Some problems require nuanced solutions that are only accessible through a collaborative, structured team process. This tool provides a framework to achieve such an outcome.

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Purpose

This tool helps teams solve complex problems in a systematic way

Typical scenarios

  • When someone can’t solve a problem by themselves and needs input from the team
  • When someone has a potential solution to a problem they want to share with the team
  • Facilitating brainstorming and critical thinking in a team setting

Why this is important

High-performing teams can continuously innovate, develop new ways of doing things, and implement out-of-the-box thinking. The key to this is critical thinking and solving complex problems as a team. High-performing teams find a rhythm to find the best solutions to complex problems systematically. This tool provides a framework for solving complex problems as a team.

The process

Steps to solve a complex problem

  • Before jumping into ideation, you first need to make sure that you understand and identify the core problem. This is a basic step skipped by many teams. To ensure you get to the core of the issue, ask your team the following series of questions that helps you to agree on the real problem that needs to be solved:
    • What is the problem? 
    • Why is this a problem?

As a team, start by ideating together. Allow space for individuals to dream and ideate by themselves (introverts like this), as well as allowing space for the team to brainstorm together (extroverts like this). Be careful to jump to analysis and critique too early since this could prevent good ideas being birthed.

Out of the box thinking requires multiple perspectives. Has the problem been looked at from all the possible angles? To help with gaining multiple perspectives, make sure you pull in the right people – people who could point out a fresh perspective. After all the right people have been roped in, it is now time to listen to all the ideas. Even though not all suggestions will be implemented, everybody will be able to contribute their ideas which not only optimize the collective team brain, but also result in greater buy-in from everyone. Conclude this step by putting good potential solutions onto the table.

The next step is to create order out of chaos by analysing what solutions would address the specific problem best. Narrow down and refine these solutions to come up with the top viable options. This can be done by grouping solutions together, forming task teams around each solution (or grouping of solutions). Allow time for feedback, critique and input. This step is concluded by voting on the best solution.

In the final step, the group has to craft an action plan to the final solution(s) that have been identified. This can be done by setting clear goals for each of the solution, writing down key actions that will help to achieve the mimlestones, and indicating who in the team will champion the solution. See the Achieving Milestones tool for assistance in crafting a good action plan. Accept that not all solutions are foolproof. A few iterations might be needed before the best solution is found and thus it might be needed to go back to the drawing board by moving to the ideation step, followed by multiple perspectives, analysis and action plan. When a team can form a rhythm to problem solving it increases their capability to prototype, iterate and continuously improve.

Problem-Solving Sample Spreadsheet

STEPS NOTES
Identify
Ideate
Perspectives & Solutions
Analyse
Action Plan

Download resources

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DOWNLOAD THE SPREADSHEET