Problem solving, team building (PSTB) is a structured way of making breakthrough progress on an intractable problem by using the power of the team. It is an antidote to those unstructured, time-consuming meetings that discuss a problem but seldom arrive at any concrete way forward.
The benefits are that the owner of the problem goes away with actions that inform future plans, while team members feel they have worked together to enrich the thinking behind a solution.
What is it?
- First and foremost, Problem solving, team building is a structured approach to problem solving
- One of the greatest strengths of the tool is that the ‘owner’ of the issue will walk away with an action plan
When would you use it?
- When you have an issue or problem that requires a team solution
- When you require a rigorous process to address an issue
- Use Problem solving, team building at the develop stage after deepening the problem first with other tools, such as Fishbone analysis and/or Five whys
Are there any rules?
- Not rules per se – just good team behaviour that needs to be emphasised
- Headlining, ie. keep the discussion at the right level
- No idea is a bad idea
- Be open-minded
- Listen, as well as contribute
- One at a time
- Participate actively
- Don’t kill the process
- Agree the time contract (eg. 20, 30 or 45 minutes)
- Remember who owns the problem
- Clear roles and responsibilities maintained – owner, facilitator, resources
