10 Rules for Problem Solving and Higher Productivity...

Rarely is there a problem without a solution.  Yet, there is plenty of contention on how to positively address the problem without unnecessary confrontation.  Here's a methodology to foster the group or team communication and achieve more faster, effectively.

10 Rules for Problem Solving, Brainstorming and Team Building

1. Headline the Problem / Issue / Opportunity    (Simple newspaper headline terms)
2. Provide Background - Current situation, Which are Symptoms and Causes, Give context to the problem and implications to business.  Define what the ground rules are for a solution?
3. Re-define the Problem - Based on what you've learned from the group what does the problem look like now?  Often what you thought was the problem is not the real problem.
4. Define the Desired Outcome – what is needed/wanted and how committed are the players to the solution?  What does success look like?  Begin with the end in mind.  Work the outcome backwards – what do you have to believe to achieve the outcome, what are the assumptions?
5. Generate Ideas of Possible Solutions – no idea is a bad idea, no critique of person with idea.  Look for relationships of ideas:  Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive and Complete - MECEC
6. Select Ideas of Possible Solutions – prioritize selected ideas as compared to desired results
7. Get Benefits and Concerns (I wish I knew – IWIK; How to – H2), Go through “what if” questions and scenarios - What if things go right?  What if they go wrong?
8. Work the Critical Concerns - Understand why these are concerns.  What can be done to mitigate or eliminate them?
9. Define an Action Plan and Implementation Next Steps – Define Who, What, When, Where, How, How Much for each strategy, tactic or activity.  
10. How to Sell / Persuade / Communicate to the other people impacted? – Answer WIFME (What’s in It For Me), factor the other people's personalities involved and how best to communicate with them.
    Still having challenges getting everyone aligned on seeking solutions, then let's talk.
    
    I'll offer a complementary 60 to 90 min session to understand your situation and guarantee you'll gain at least a half dozen ideas to engage your team, improve communication and implement more effectively.  

Call me at ph:  972 740 3575 or eM:  StephenMarino@ActionCOACH.com

Let's get started facilitating these important problem solving sessions.  You'll work less and make more.