How can you help team members overcome obstacles during problem solving?

1 Listen actively

One of the most important interpersonal skills for problem solving is active listening. Active listening means paying attention to what others are saying, showing interest and empathy, asking questions, and paraphrasing to check understanding. By listening actively, you can help team members feel heard and respected, clarify any confusion or ambiguity, and identify the root causes and the key aspects of the problem.

2 Encourage diversity

Another interpersonal skill that can help team members overcome obstacles is encouraging diversity. Diversity means acknowledging and appreciating the different perspectives, experiences, and skills that each team member brings to the table. By encouraging diversity, you can help team members learn from each other, generate more ideas, and avoid groupthink or confirmation bias. You can also foster a culture of inclusion and trust, where team members feel valued and comfortable to share their opinions and feedback.

3 Facilitate brainstorming

A third interpersonal skill that can help team members overcome obstacles is facilitating brainstorming. Brainstorming is a technique that involves generating as many possible solutions as possible, without judging or evaluating them at first. By facilitating brainstorming, you can help team members unleash their creativity, explore different options, and find innovative and original solutions. You can also make the process more fun and engaging, by using tools such as mind maps, sticky notes, or online platforms.

4 Resolve conflicts

A fourth interpersonal skill that can help team members overcome obstacles is resolving conflicts. Conflicts are inevitable in any team, especially when dealing with complex or controversial problems. However, conflicts can also be constructive, if they are handled properly. By resolving conflicts, you can help team members express their views, listen to each other, find common ground, and reach a consensus. You can also prevent or reduce negative emotions, such as anger, resentment, or frustration, that can interfere with problem solving.

5 Provide support

A fifth interpersonal skill that can help team members overcome obstacles is providing support. Support means offering help, guidance, feedback, or encouragement to team members who are struggling or facing challenges. By providing support, you can help team members cope with stress, overcome difficulties, improve their performance, and achieve their goals. You can also boost their confidence, motivation, and satisfaction, and strengthen your relationship with them.

6 Celebrate success

A sixth interpersonal skill that can help team members overcome obstacles is celebrating success. Celebrating success means acknowledging and rewarding the achievements and efforts of team members who have contributed to solving the problem. By celebrating success, you can help team members feel appreciated and recognized, reinforce positive behaviors, and enhance team morale and cohesion. You can also create a sense of accomplishment and closure, and prepare the team for future challenges.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?