Creative Problem Solving in Team Environment

One of a company’s most valuable sources of improvement ideas is its employees. Forming a team is an effective way to harness the creative potential of employees for problem solving. Some advantages of teamwork are:

Innovative thinking

The team provides the common ground needed for a supportive atmosphere.

Diverse perspectives

Suspending the corporate hierarchy in a team gives members a low pressure forum for communication. New viewpoints can supplement or challenge traditional assumptions.

Keys to future solutions

By using teams for problem solving, companies are better prepared to solve future problems. Team members learn how to implement future changes and how to work with other departments.

Task oriented

Teams simplify managing the problem solving process. Once the goal of the team is known, employees prioritize and work on different aspects of a problem, instead of facing the whole project alone.

Team Composition

Five to seven members make teams manageable and effective. A team should try to represent every level of personnel from all areas affected by its activity. As the team works on various problems the members should actively consult additional personnel. Keep the central group intact, but invite others to participate when needed.

Team Evolution

Before reaching its potential, a team grows through certain stages. After forming, a team’s initial energy can dissolve into a time of stress and tension. Members must adjust to working together and take advantage of the team’s collective strengths. As the team adjusts it will start to perform. Some teams take months to get on track, while others develop within a meeting.

Celebrate and reward success. Real success is worth celebrating and recognizing success allows team members to enjoy their accomplishments.