How can peer support teams align problem solving with organizational goals and values?

1 Identify the problem

The first step in any problem solving process is to clearly define the problem that needs to be addressed. Peer support teams can use various tools and methods to identify the problem, such as brainstorming, surveys, interviews, or observation. However, it is also important to consider how the problem relates to the organizational goals and values, and how it affects the stakeholders involved. For example, a peer support team may identify that their members are experiencing burnout, but they also need to understand how this impacts the quality of their work, the satisfaction of their clients, and the mission of their organization.

3 Choose the best solution

After exploring the options, the next step is to select the best solution for the problem. Peer support teams can use various criteria and methods to make this decision, such as voting, ranking, or consensus. However, they also need to communicate their decision to the relevant stakeholders, and to explain how their solution aligns with the organizational goals and values. For example, a peer support team may choose to launch a wellness program, but they also need to present their rationale, objectives, and outcomes to their managers, colleagues, and clients.

4 Implement the solution

The final step in the problem solving process is to implement the solution and monitor its results. Peer support teams can use various tools and techniques to plan, execute, and evaluate their solution, such as action plans, timelines, or indicators. However, they also need to align their implementation with the organizational goals and values, and to seek feedback, support, and collaboration from the stakeholders involved. For example, a peer support team may start a wellness program, but they also need to align it with the organizational strategy, vision, and values, and to involve their managers, colleagues, and clients in the process.

5 Learn from the experience

Problem solving is not a one-time event, but a continuous cycle of improvement. Peer support teams can use their problem solving experience as an opportunity to learn from their successes and failures, and to identify areas for further development. However, they also need to align their learning with the organizational goals and values, and to share their findings, insights, and recommendations with the stakeholders involved. For example, a peer support team may evaluate their wellness program, but they also need to align their evaluation with the organizational standards, expectations, and feedback, and to report their results, lessons, and suggestions to their managers, colleagues, and clients.

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?