Team Problem Solving

Define the goal or objective. A team needs to know what to focus on. You can lay out the basic goal, (for example, reduce rework in the (laboratory) but it is important to let the team define and expand the goal. Not only must the what be solved, but also the why. The team should identify whats in it for the practice and the team to achieve this objective. This is best done by asking, What is the benefit? Define the obstacles that will prevent the team from achieving what it wants. Focus on internal obstacles, not on the external environment, such as competitors and laws. It will be too easy to say, We cant do anything about it. Make the goal within their reach. The team now plans its actions. Lay out four or five concrete steps, and write them down. Not well try actions such as,Well try to serve patients better. You want actions that can be tracked and monitored. You cannot measure a try action. You want observable behaviors like Greet all patients with a smile and a good morning or good afternoon, or Patients will be greeted within 30 seconds of their arrival.Now its time to change the obstacles that were defined in step three. The team needs to formulate action steps. This is most critical. It is what differentiates an effective team from a group. Get commitment from individual team members to take action on specific items.
Problems in Teams

  • Leaders do not understand their own strengths, ability and preferences.
  • Leaders feel they do not know how to motivate people. This is because they do not know them and their individual needs.
  • Team members feel that the team does not work smoothly. They believe individual work preferences conflict rather than complement each other.
  • 8 The leaders main function is to try to keep order within the team and to ensure tasks are accomplished.
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