Develop an Army of Problem Solvers: Critical Thinking and Decision-Making

"What do YOU think we should do?"

It's a question that embodies the essence of empowerment and engagement in decision-making—a question that sets the stage for collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking within a team.

Do you find yourself as the sole problem solver for your organization? When you're faced with a problem, or someone comes to you with a problem, are you quick to solve it yourself? Maybe you think you know the answer or you are the best to get things done? I hate to say it, but you may have done this to yourself.

The next time someone comes to you with a problem, rather than jumping to solve it for them (even if you think you know the answer), I am challenging you to stop yourself and follow these 6 steps:

Step 1: Ask, "What do YOU think we should do?"

Step 2: Listen with direct eye contact and complete focus.

Step 3: Ask, "What do you expect will happen?"

Step 4: Encourage them to experiment with their idea.

Step 5: Follow-up and ask, "What did you learn?"

Step 6: Celebrate.

As an operations manager, I've learned that fostering a culture of empowerment not only motivates team members but also unleashes their full potential. And when combined with methodologies like Toyota Kata, it becomes a catalyst for driving operational excellence through continuous improvement and informed decision-making.

Toyota Kata, rooted in the principles of the Toyota Production System, provides a structured framework for problem-solving and experimentation. At its heart lies the concept of iterative cycles of improvement, where teams set clear objectives, run experiments, gather data, and adjust their approach based on the results. But what sets Kata Thinking apart is its emphasis on empowering individuals to take ownership of the improvement process—to be active participants in shaping the future of their work.

When we pose the question, "What do you think we should do?" we're not only soliciting input from team members but also signaling that their opinions and ideas are valued. This simple act of empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, inspiring individuals to take initiative and contribute to the collective success of the team. Moreover, it encourages diversity of thought, as team members from different backgrounds and perspectives are invited to share their insights and expertise.

And best of all...you are developing an Army of Problem Solvers!

But empowerment alone is not enough. To truly harness the power of critical thinking and decision-making, we must also equip our teams with the necessary tools and methodologies. This is where scientific thinking comes into play. By providing a systematic approach to problem-solving, it enables teams to navigate complex challenges with confidence and precision. And at the heart of scientific thinking lies the fundamental question: "What do you expect will happen?"

This question serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path forward and helping teams anticipate potential outcomes and consequences of their actions. By encouraging team members to articulate their expectations upfront, we promote a culture of foresight and planning, where decisions are informed by data and analysis rather than guesswork or intuition. This not only minimizes risks but also enhances the likelihood of success, as teams are better prepared to adapt and respond to unforeseen circumstances.

Developing scientific thinking within your operations can yield tangible benefits beyond just process improvement. It will transform the way you approach decision-making, from a top-down directive to a collaborative endeavor involving the entire team. By embracing the question, "What do you think we should do?" and leveraging the principles of Toyota Kata, you will empower your team to become proactive problem-solvers, driving innovation and excellence in everything you do.

As an operations manager, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of empowerment and critical thinking in driving operational excellence. By fostering a culture where every voice is heard and every idea is valued, we've cultivated a team of empowered individuals who are capable of overcoming any challenge that comes their way.