Teams working together to solve problems sometimes face difficulties. Even though many minds are involved, things can get tricky, causing delays or disagreements. But understanding how teams work can help a lot.
Think back to the last time you had a problem to solve with others. Maybe it was a big issue, like finding a way to get a product to market when the usual route was blocked. Or maybe it was something small, like being late for work due to traffic. In either case, solving the problem likely involved five steps, according to Al Pittampalli.
When you solve problems alone, you probably move through these steps without thinking much. But in a team, it's different. Everyone might not be on the same page at the same time. For example, while one person is trying to understand the problem, another might be thinking about solutions. It's important for everyone to know which step the team is in to find better solutions together.
Alison Reynolds and David Lewis found two important things about successful problem-solving teams. They work well because they have different ways of thinking, and they feel safe to share their thoughts. They also like to learn and try new things.
Think about your team's last problem-solving task. Remember each step you took. Were you all working together at each stage? Did you think about all parts of the problem, or did you miss something? Think about what you can do better next time.
Also, see where your team fits on the problem-solving chart. What can you do to be better at solving problems as a team? Try to act in ways that help you understand each other better and make everyone feel safe to share ideas.
Solving problems as a team isn't always easy, but by knowing how to work together better, you can find smarter solutions and overcome challenges.
