Identifying problems is much easier than solving them. So it’s not surprising that when your team identifies problems or issues, these don’t always get addressed or resolved. To facilitate better, more efficient problem-solving, consider the following:
- Create an environment that welcomes both creativity and analytical thinking. Don’t let your team get bogged down by overthinking things, but don’t let them be impulsive about change or innovation. Instead, give people a set time to analyze and question, then work on solutions.
- Be clear about the changes you’re looking for. Help your team to be solution focused. If there are financial or other limitations they need to consider, state these upfront.
- Talk to your team as a group and individuals about what you want them to do differently. Don’t allow for personal blame or finger pointing.
- Set new norms. Encourage new ways of thinking and speaking.
- Role model. Be direct and straightforward and show by your actions that there is room for change and new ideas.
- Use external information to trigger conversations. Invite a consultant or someone from another department to come in for a brainstorming session.
Deal with challenges productively. It’s important to identify problems, but don’t forget to make time for not only solutions but for celebrations of new ideas, positive change, and better ways of doing things.
