Climate & Effective Problem-solving

A successful solution from a group is often far more effective than single solutions offered by individuals. The best results come from teams when team members are committed to finding the best possible solution to a problem rather than to imposing their exclusive view.

The leader participates as a team member and is subject to the same rules. Open communication is expected, and team members are encouraged to challenge ideas in order to test their usefulness to solve the problem.

- The following conditions support good team problem-solving. - Tick those conditions now existing in your team and place an x by those you want to add in the future.
Team members readily contribute from their experience and listen to the contributions of others
Conflicts arising from different points of view are considered helpful and are resolved constructively by the team.
Team members challenge suggestions they believe are unsupported by facts or logic, but avoid arguing just to have their way.
Poor solutions are not supported just for the sake of harmony or agreement.
Differences of opinion are discussed and resolved. Coin tossing, averaging, majority vote and similar cop-outs are avoided when making a decision.
Every team member strives to make the problem solving process efficient and is careful to facilitate rather than hinder discussion.
Team members encourage and support co-workers who may be reluctant to offer ideas.
Team members understand the value of time and work in eliminating extraneous and/or repetitious discussion.
Team decisions are not arbitrarily overruled by the leader simply because he or she does not agree with them.
The team understands the leader will make the best decision he or she can, if a satisfactory team solution is not forthcoming.