What are the best team facilitation models for teams with different levels of problem-solving skills?

1 Problem-Solving Levels

Before choosing a team facilitation model, you need to assess the level of problem-solving skills of your team. There are different ways to measure this, but one simple framework is the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition, which identifies five levels of proficiency: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. Each level has different characteristics, needs, and behaviors, which influence how the team learns, communicates, and performs. For example, novices need clear rules and instructions, while experts rely on intuition and experience.

2 Model 1: Tuckman's Stages

One of the most widely used team facilitation models is Tuckman's stages of group development, which describes four phases that teams go through: forming, storming, norming, and performing. This model is suitable for teams with mixed levels of problem-solving skills, as it helps them to establish trust, resolve conflicts, align goals, and optimize performance. As a facilitator, you can use different strategies and tools to support each stage, such as icebreakers, feedback, ground rules, and action plans.

3 Model 2: Kolb's Cycle

Another popular team facilitation model is Kolb's cycle of experiential learning, which explains how teams learn from their experiences. It consists of four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. This model is ideal for teams with low to medium levels of problem-solving skills, as it helps them to improve their understanding, creativity, and application of knowledge. As a facilitator, you can use different techniques and activities to stimulate each stage, such as case studies, brainstorming, mind maps, and simulations.

4 Model 3: Lencioni's Pyramid

A more advanced team facilitation model is Lencioni's pyramid of team dysfunctions, which identifies five factors that prevent teams from achieving their potential: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. This model is best for teams with high levels of problem-solving skills, as it helps them to address the root causes of their issues, and to build a culture of trust, constructive feedback, clarity, responsibility, and focus. As a facilitator, you can use different methods and resources to overcome each dysfunction, such as surveys, role plays, SMART goals, scorecards, and recognition.

5 Model 4: Kanban

A more specific team facilitation model is Kanban, which is a visual system for managing work flow and collaboration. It uses a board with columns that represent different stages of work, such as to-do, in progress, and done, and cards that represent individual tasks. This model is flexible and adaptable for teams with any level of problem-solving skills, as it helps them to organize, prioritize, and monitor their work, and to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, waste, and inefficiencies. As a facilitator, you can use different tools and software to implement and customize Kanban, such as Trello, Asana, or Jira.

6 Model 5: Appreciative Inquiry

A more positive team facilitation model is Appreciative Inquiry, which is a process for generating and implementing change based on the strengths and successes of the team. It follows four steps: discover, dream, design, and destiny. This model is inspiring and empowering for teams with any level of problem-solving skills, as it helps them to appreciate what works well, envision what could be better, co-create what should be done, and commit to what will be done. As a facilitator, you can use different questions and exercises to facilitate each step, such as interviews, vision boards, action plans, and celebrations.