How can you adapt your problem-solving approach for hybrid settings?

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Approach problem understanding as the foundation for effective problem-solving. Prioritize comprehensive comprehension by delving into the root causes, intricacies, and potential implications of the issue at hand. Acknowledge that in hybrid environments, effective communication and information dissemination are pivotal. Employ collaborative tools like Miro or Mural to facilitate virtual brainstorming sessions and foster a shared understanding among team members, regardless of geographical barriers. Utilizing such platforms can enhance engagement and ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the identified problem.

In my experience in hybrid work scenarios, redefine problems clearly despite communication challenges. Employ surveys, interviews, and visuals to engage every team member, fostering effective collaboration.

Generating ideas is where the change starts happening. And always remember: one problem doesn't only have one solution. You might find many different solutions that work and that's why we need to generate ideas.

While brainstorming is often promoted as a way to generate ideas, it may not always be the most effective method. Sometimes, individuals working alone can generate more diverse and innovative ideas. Too many voices at once can lead to groupthink or allow louder voices to dominate. Therefore, providing space for individual ideation before group discussions can sometimes yield better results.

I have found the use of tools like Jamboard to replicate the in office experience of sticky note brainstorming. The interactive ability to leverage free form input from individuals in office or remote with real-time manipulation of ideas, consolidation into like groupings and prioritizing of these ideas is invaluable. I have experienced global teams solving problems in days where formal meeting would have taken weeks to coordinate.

In the hybrid work world, idea evaluation takes on a unique twist. Leveraging digital platforms for real-time feedback and adopting collaborative analysis techniques empowers your team to make swift, informed decisions, ensuring adaptability and robust solutions.

In a hybrid environment, having access to tools such as docs, sheets or slides are helpful in communicating about the overall process. If, say you are a tech out in the field, having the resources available to you for any unexpected issues or need to access a help-line. Even in such a hybrid environment of all kinds, having the ability to develop solutions using any and all the resources. For instance, using Slack or other instant messaging for faster communication. Having email for the documents that can be added to a presentation for an overall speed and efficiency that you can't get using outdated means. Have to think out of the box and be flexible.

Once you have a few solutions worked out. Try them out and document how it works, and any issues with the solution. No matter what the solution is sometimes it may not work or a step might need to be evaluated further. While testing solutions, not all results are instant. To test solutions using the processes developing the solution and to implement that as well into testing the solution. A lot of the testing of solutions to any problem is divide and conquer and if the results stay in line with the results you are after then good. Also, keep in mind any minor details that could offer issues later on.