How to: use a team, to solve problems

Teams can outperform individuals, to solve problems, because of exchange of :

• informations
• interpretations
• critical thinking

Prepare the team:

• inform the team, which problem shall be solved in what time
• keep the group small; 4 members are most successful
• the task for the team should be complex and require a range of skills and insights
•  each team member should have the needed background and skills, to solve the problem
• document the contribution of each team member and explain this at the beginning to the team.
• if there occurs an unresolvable conflict in the team , use either an outside mediator or modify the structure of the team.

Important guidelines for effecitve team work:

• establish clear expectations of the objectives of the group
• establish clear roles and responsibilities
• plan a regular schedule of meetings

• make sure, that the objectives of each meeting are met
• don´t tolerate individuals, who fail to meet their commitments
• don´t settle for anything less than excellent group production

• prepare meeting notes, structure them and distribute them to all team members