Does Your Team Work?
7. Use a Rational Problem-solving Process. Albert Einstein supports the need for rational, thoughtful problem-solving processes when he says, "The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them."
There are a number of rational problem-solving processes to choose from. One such approach is to follow these steps:
- Gather data.
- Review facts.
- Define the problem and desired end-state.
- Ask questions. Identify alternative solutions.
- Evaluate each alternative.
- Select the "best" alternative.
- Implement the chosen alternative.
- Evaluate effectiveness of the solution. Make changes, if necessary.
9. Promote Interdependent Thinking. The key here is to promote "we" thinking, not "me" thinking. Vince Lombardi encourages us to "build for your team a feeling of oneness, of dependence on one another and of strength to be derived by unity." Having talented team members is important—but Michael Jordan puts it into perspective when he says, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." Phil Jackson adds, "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.
Wes Friesen is a proven leader and developer of high performing teams and has extensive experience in both the corporate and non-profit worlds. A former in-plant manager, he is also an award-winning university instructor and speaker, and is the president of Solomon Training and Development, which provides leadership, management and team building training. His book, Your Team Can Soar! contains 42 valuable lessons that will inspire you, and give you practical pointers to help you—and your team—soar to new heights of performance. Your Team Can Soar! can be ordered from Xulonpress.com/bookstore or wesfriesen.com. Wes can be contacted at wesmfriesen@gmail.com.
