My previous blog entry discussed the first step in a problem solving quest: the formulation of a problem and goal statement for the initiative. The next step is to pull together the team you will need to achieve those goals and solve those problems.
First, break all the rules
Marcus Buckingham, in his book “First, Break All the Rules,” describes the metaphor of people having super-highways or bumpy country lanes for executing a given task. His point is that not everyone is good at everything and assigning folks with super-highways to a task will get you there much faster than will the person with the country lane. I have found that this is true of problem solving as well. Some folks are great at describing the problem. Some folks are great at coming up with creative ideas. Some folks are great at analyzing the ideas. Some folks are great at building a plan to execute the idea. Some folks are great at selling the plan. And, some folks are great at driving the plan through to completion. And, while you can find people who can do more than one of these areas well, it is difficult to find one person who can do them all well. You will want to keep the strengths and weaknesses of your team members in mind as you construct your team.
Beyond the Stakeholders
In defining the problem, you have already pulled together a team of stakeholders. In addition to these folks, you will want to think about who else may need to be involved in the initiative. Were there other groups identified during the problem description meeting that contribute in some way to the problem? If so, you would want to consider including them. Is there certain expertise required to solve the problem? If so, enlist the help of an expert. Will there be an impact on the workflow of any group or groups in solving the problem? If so, make sure those groups are represented. How about systems and IT infrastructure? If yes, ensure an IT representative is part of your group. Simply put, ensure that the people who need to be involved in both designing the solution and living with the solution are represented on your team.
Roles and Responsibilities
Take the time to ensure that every member on your team understands his/her role in the initiative. Prior to meeting with the entire team, I tell all the participants that they will be expected to describe how they will contribute to the team. At the meeting, I document what each member says, and this document becomes the Roles and Responsibilities document for the team. Challenge the team to think about what other resources they think they will need to solve the problem. Also, challenge those with a clear vision of their role on the team as to whether they need to participate in the initiative at all. At the end, you should have a clear description of each team member’s role and how they plan to contribute to solving the problem.
Housekeeping
If you have added new members to the team since the original “Problem” meeting, then you will need to loop back with the new members and ensure that the problems from their perspective are aired and recorded. Once any new problems are captured, you will want to check to make sure that the goals will address the new problems. This is an important sidetrack to ensure that new team members feel vested in the process.
Check in with the Sponsor
Once you have identified your team members and each of their respective roles and responsibilities, you will want to check in with the sponsor. Brief the sponsor on the team you have assembled. Also, get feedback to make sure you have your super-highways in the best places. With your team in place you are ready to move on to the next step. In my next blog entry I describe the creative idea brainstorm.
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Matt Schlegel learns a great deal about teams by watching his children participate in team sports. He finds it fascinating to watch how children identify with their budding super-highways. He also finds it fascinating to watch how great coaches inspire kids with a positive attitude that carries over into their support for each other.
First, break all the rules
Marcus Buckingham, in his book “First, Break All the Rules,” describes the metaphor of people having super-highways or bumpy country lanes for executing a given task. His point is that not everyone is good at everything and assigning folks with super-highways to a task will get you there much faster than will the person with the country lane. I have found that this is true of problem solving as well. Some folks are great at describing the problem. Some folks are great at coming up with creative ideas. Some folks are great at analyzing the ideas. Some folks are great at building a plan to execute the idea. Some folks are great at selling the plan. And, some folks are great at driving the plan through to completion. And, while you can find people who can do more than one of these areas well, it is difficult to find one person who can do them all well. You will want to keep the strengths and weaknesses of your team members in mind as you construct your team.
Beyond the Stakeholders
In defining the problem, you have already pulled together a team of stakeholders. In addition to these folks, you will want to think about who else may need to be involved in the initiative. Were there other groups identified during the problem description meeting that contribute in some way to the problem? If so, you would want to consider including them. Is there certain expertise required to solve the problem? If so, enlist the help of an expert. Will there be an impact on the workflow of any group or groups in solving the problem? If so, make sure those groups are represented. How about systems and IT infrastructure? If yes, ensure an IT representative is part of your group. Simply put, ensure that the people who need to be involved in both designing the solution and living with the solution are represented on your team.
Roles and Responsibilities
Take the time to ensure that every member on your team understands his/her role in the initiative. Prior to meeting with the entire team, I tell all the participants that they will be expected to describe how they will contribute to the team. At the meeting, I document what each member says, and this document becomes the Roles and Responsibilities document for the team. Challenge the team to think about what other resources they think they will need to solve the problem. Also, challenge those with a clear vision of their role on the team as to whether they need to participate in the initiative at all. At the end, you should have a clear description of each team member’s role and how they plan to contribute to solving the problem.
Housekeeping
If you have added new members to the team since the original “Problem” meeting, then you will need to loop back with the new members and ensure that the problems from their perspective are aired and recorded. Once any new problems are captured, you will want to check to make sure that the goals will address the new problems. This is an important sidetrack to ensure that new team members feel vested in the process.
Check in with the Sponsor
Once you have identified your team members and each of their respective roles and responsibilities, you will want to check in with the sponsor. Brief the sponsor on the team you have assembled. Also, get feedback to make sure you have your super-highways in the best places. With your team in place you are ready to move on to the next step. In my next blog entry I describe the creative idea brainstorm.
________________________________
Matt Schlegel learns a great deal about teams by watching his children participate in team sports. He finds it fascinating to watch how children identify with their budding super-highways. He also finds it fascinating to watch how great coaches inspire kids with a positive attitude that carries over into their support for each other.
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