You're leading a team through a difficult problem. How can you help them develop effective strategies?

1 Define the problem

The first step in any problem-solving process is to define the problem clearly and accurately. This will help your team focus on the real issue and avoid wasting time and energy on irrelevant or superficial aspects. To define the problem, you can use tools such as the 5 Whys, the Problem Statement, or the Fishbone Diagram. These tools will help you dig deeper into the causes, effects, and scope of the problem, as well as identify the key stakeholders and their needs and expectations.

3 Evaluate and select ideas

After you have generated a pool of ideas, you need to evaluate and select the most promising ones for further development. This is where you need to apply some criteria and logic to filter out the impractical or ineffective ideas. To evaluate and select ideas, you can use tools such as the Decision Matrix, the Pros and Cons List, or the Feasibility Test. These tools will help you compare and rank the ideas based on factors such as cost, benefit, risk, impact, and feasibility.

4 Develop and test solutions

Once you have selected the best ideas, you need to develop and test them as potential solutions to the problem. This is where you need to transform your ideas into actionable plans and prototypes that can be tested and refined. To develop and test solutions, you can use methods such as the SMART Goals, the Action Plan, or the Pilot Test. These methods will help you set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, assign tasks and responsibilities, and monitor and evaluate the results.

5 Implement and review solutions

The final step in the problem-solving process is to implement and review the solutions that have passed the testing stage. This is where you need to execute your plans and measure their outcomes and impacts. To implement and review solutions, you can use tools such as the Gantt Chart, the Feedback Loop, or the PDCA Cycle. These tools will help you schedule and track your activities, collect and analyze feedback from stakeholders, and make adjustments and improvements as needed.

As a large group facilitator, you have the responsibility and the opportunity to help your team solve difficult problems effectively. By following these steps and using these tools, you can guide your team through a structured and collaborative problem-solving process that will enhance their skills and confidence.

6 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?