Learn about four common collaborative problem solving models and how to match them to your team's needs and goals.

Trust issue and boundary settings need to be considered: Collaboration is equally to create projects in any aspect. That is better to have all related parties to have respect and code of ethics for expectations without misleading or mis presenting at the model building from a to z with enter to exist turnkey solutions. Thanks.🙏

What is the best collaborative problem solving model for your team?

Collaborative problem solving (CPS) is a skill that enables teams to work together effectively on complex challenges. It involves defining the problem, generating and evaluating solutions, and implementing and monitoring the results. However, there is no one-size-fits-all model for CPS. Different teams may have different preferences, styles, and contexts that influence their approach. In this article, you will learn about four common CPS models and how to choose the best one for your team.

1 The IDEAL model

The IDEAL model stands for Identify, Define, Explore, Act, and Look. It is a simple and flexible model that can be applied to any type of problem. The first step is to identify the problem and its causes. The second step is to define the problem clearly and precisely. The third step is to explore possible solutions and their pros and cons. The fourth step is to act on the best solution and execute it. The fifth step is to look back and evaluate the outcome and the process. The IDEAL model is suitable for teams that want a straightforward and adaptable framework for CPS.

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Sumit Kumar

Share Market Investor and Trader
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Use GEMBA technique. The person who is on the ground know exact usee and probable solution. He should be part and key person of problem solving team.

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2 The Kepner-Tregoe model

The Kepner-Tregoe model is a more structured and analytical model that focuses on four key aspects of CPS: situation appraisal, problem analysis, decision analysis, and potential problem analysis. The first aspect is to appraise the situation and identify the main issues and concerns. The second aspect is to analyze the problem and its root causes. The third aspect is to analyze the decision and its criteria, alternatives, and risks. The fourth aspect is to analyze the potential problems and their preventive and contingent actions. The Kepner-Tregoe model is suitable for teams that want a rigorous and logical framework for CPS.

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3 The Appreciative Inquiry model

The Appreciative Inquiry model is a more positive and creative model that emphasizes the strengths and opportunities of the situation. It consists of four phases: discover, dream, design, and destiny. The first phase is to discover the best practices and successes of the team and the organization. The second phase is to dream of the ideal future and the desired outcomes. The third phase is to design the strategies and actions that will achieve the vision. The fourth phase is to destiny the implementation and evaluation of the plan. The Appreciative Inquiry model is suitable for teams that want a optimistic and innovative framework for CPS.

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4 The Six Thinking Hats model

The Six Thinking Hats model is a more collaborative and diverse model that encourages different perspectives and modes of thinking. It uses six colored hats to represent six types of thinking: white (facts and data), red (emotions and feelings), black (criticism and risks), yellow (optimism and benefits), green (creativity and alternatives), and blue (process and overview). The team members can wear different hats at different stages of the CPS process, or switch hats to challenge and complement each other. The Six Thinking Hats model is suitable for teams that want a dynamic and inclusive framework for CPS.

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Rehana Rajwani

Data driven Productivity Coach/L&D Advisor/Organizational Physics Nerd (My opinions are my own)
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One thing I've found helpful for this model is self awareness amongst team members about their "default hat position". If someone defaults to the black hat, we use it as their strength and also ask them to take the hat off at certain points to help them see a different perspective.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Patsy Koay❤️🐬PHD

Resilience Transdisciplinarity Coach| Digital Tech Mental Health Advocate I ROI Enthusiast I Community Builder I Humanitarian Spiritual Light experimentalist l Sustainability Advisor l Author
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Trust issue and boundary settings need to be considered: Collaboration is equally to create projects in any aspect. That is better to have all related parties to have respect and code of ethics for expectations without misleading or mis presenting at the model building from a to z with enter to exist turnkey solutions. Thanks.🙏

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Nidhi Sachdeva, PhD

Evidence-informed Key Opinion Leader (KOL) | Cognitive Science | Teaching & Learning | (Keynote) Speaker | Educational Technology Specialist | Microlearning | Entrepreneur | Health, Wellness & Fitness Enthusiast
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It's not a specific model per se but to understand what are associated costs of doing a collaboration. Coordination costs come from organizing and managing things like scheduling etc. Motivation costs come from effects like free rider, social loafing etc. Intellectual costs come from things like group think. If these costs are left unaddressed, they lead to problems. So having a model may or may not address these problems. A much more efficient approach is to be aware of these costs and deal with them before they lead to problems.

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What is the best collaborative problem solving model for your team?

1

2

3

4

5

1 The IDEAL model

2 The Kepner-Tregoe model

3 The Appreciative Inquiry model

4 The Six Thinking Hats model

5 Here’s what else to consider

Facilitation

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What is the best collaborative problem solving model for your team?

1

2

3

4

5

1 The IDEAL model

2 The Kepner-Tregoe model

3 The Appreciative Inquiry model

4 The Six Thinking Hats model

5 Here’s what else to consider

Facilitation

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