Ready for some key ideas for solving problems and making decisions?
Discuss with your colleagues whether you are making the most of these suggestions when seeking solutions. Ask, 'Do we do that?', 'Are we making the most of that idea?' and 'What will help us most?'
Skillset's picks for discussion
1. Set the rules
Develop a charter to define your values or principles that will guide how you want to work. Like the foundation of a strong house, it shapes the way you think. You might include something like, 'We agree to focus on solutions, not just list problems.'2. Know your natural styles
Some of us are impatient and only want to get on with solutions. Some like to come up with all sorts of options, then choose. Some want to slow down to be sure they've covered everything. Others are sceptical as to whether a particular concept will be useful. Accept that you need all those styles, even if they are in conflict with your own.3. Follow a process
A process gives structure to your group's problem-solving. Having a consistent approach makes decision-making more objective, efficient, and provides greater certainty in the way your team works together. (You'll find various decision-making processes on the Web, but if you can't find anything suitable, give us a call.)4. Know your blocks
Most of us have blocks – ideas we resist, assumptions we jump to, 'facts' we never question. The solution? Encourage objectivity, ask probing questions, be emotionally honest, be imaginative and challenge yourself to grow by adopting new ideas. (Remember to have fun.)5. Be specific as you define the problem
Einstein is quoted as saying that if he had one hour to save the world he would spend fifty-five minutes defining the problem and only five minutes finding the solution. Drill down before looking for a solution. 'Our staff are not achieving their KPIs' is a problem, but 'Our staff don't have the time or resources they need to achieve their KPIs' may be the real issue and the problem to solve.6. Evaluate the options methodically
Assess each idea only after you have gathered all the ideas you can come up with. Tools like SWOT analysis, Thinking Hats, the Force Field, and cost-benefit analysis can all help. Amongst numerous others, they assist you thinking critically about the plans you hatch.7. Match the size of the solution to the size of the problem
Before you make a decision, keep asking 'How big a problem is this?' What are the effects on our clients or our organisation?' 'What would happen if we did nothing about it?' Once you really know the size of the problem (or opportunity) you are ready to find a solution to match.8. Brainstorm - but the right way
Brainstorming may be a well-known technique, but it's not well practised. Begin by having each participant 'brainwriting' – writing their own ideas before the group gets together. That preparation bypasses the tendency for 'group think'.
Treat each idea objectively. Does it matter whether the best idea comes from the CE or the cleaner?
Don't reject an idea without allowing it to spark another idea, maybe something more practical - even the opposite.
9. Be led by a compass, not a map
An effective plan is a work in progress. We need a compass to guide us, not a printed map with all the streets. Your compass will help you maintain your direction. Add the detail, but be flexible as you head towards your goal.10. Take Responsibility
'I used to think somebody should do something, until I realised I was somebody.'
An effective meeting chair asks, 'Who will do what, by when?' Allocate DRIs – Directly Responsible Individuals, who update the team in regular follow up meetings to gauge progress and make expected changes.
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Do these common issues bug you too?
- The process takes too long and seems to achieve very little
- One mindset seems to control the process, but you see another approach
- Lack of consistent steps or not defining the issues clearly
- No one follows up on decisions
Skillset can help
A session with a skilled workshop leader could be a very valuable investment. Skillset can help both your leaders and your participants develop strategies to streamline their problem-solving and decision-making and produce better results.Call us on 03 3653 164 or email us. We'll match you up with a specialist, not a salesperson. There'll be no pressure. (That's not our style.)