Problem Solving Technique

Problem solving is something that most of us tend to do on our own.

We all have this perception that my problems are mine and the other people’s are theirs.

In the process, we don’t really bother to ask other people for help or for any insights. We keep on working in our little silos.

This goes double for leaders, who very seldom ask their employees to help them with their challenges.

Yes, I know, we have to deal with our own problems, but some input from others can do wonders. Somebody once said, “I have to do it myself, AND, I can’t do it alone.”

This activity will help you to solve each others problems.

Benefits Of The Technique

The Process

• Divide the group into smaller groups of 4 to 5. Let them sit in a circle (with no tables...just chairs)
• Each group pick one person with whom they will do the problem solving first.
• The chosen individual then shares her (I will use the female person for simplicity) problem with the rest of the team. She should tell the rest of the group what the issues are, how she feels about them and what she have tried to do about it in the past

  The rest of the group can ask questions to clarify, but they shouldn’t start to do problem solving yet. It is important that they understand the problem first.

  This should take about 3 to 4 minutes.

• When the rest of the group feel they all understand the problem, the chosen person turn her chair around, so she sits with her back to the group. She should make sure that she could still hear what the rest of the group is saying.

  This is important, because I have found that if they don’t turn around, they tend to take the conversation over.

• Once the chosen person has turned around, the rest of the group starts to do some brainstorming around her problem “behind her back” as if she isn’t there. Make sure that they talk loud enough that she can hear them.

  The rest start to talk about things like their reactions to what has been said. They might share experiences they have had that are similar. If they have any suggestion and ideas to help with the person’s problem, they should mention it.

  The chosen person doesn’t say a word during this stage. She just listens and take notes.

• After about 5 to 7 minutes, ask the chosen individual to turn around. She can now join the discussion again. She can share what she has learned during the exercise.
• Give the chosen person about 3 minutes to talk after she has turned around.
• Repeat the exercise with the rest of the group.

And that’s it. Remember problem solving is a habit. We all have our default ways of dealing with challenges.

Sharing your problems with other people need to happen constantly to make it a habit.

Use this exercise whenever you or one of your employees is struggling with a particular issue. Get a couple of employees together, share your problem, turn around and let them do some problem solving for you.

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