What do you do if your team is facing a complex problem?

The key to solving any problem (complex or otherwise) is to clearly identify the problem and particularly what caused it (either internally or externally). Knowing the cause is essential to finding a strategic and lasting solution. Also determine whether there might be additional “knock-on” problems caused by the main problem, which also need resolving. Once the solution(s) are determined, ensure they will prevail and not be impeded by yet more problems in the future as (internal and external) circumstances change. If necessary, modify the solution(s) to guarantee permanence, and monitor the situation closely to ensure the problem has been fixed.

When my team encounters a complex problem at the hotel, the first step is to thoroughly assess the situation. This involves gathering all available information, understanding the scope of the issue, and identifying key stakeholders. Once we have a clear understanding, we formulate a strategy to address the problem. This strategy includes both short-term solutions to mitigate immediate issues and long-term plans to tackle underlying causes. Delegating responsibilities is crucial at this stage, ensuring that tasks are assigned based on each team member's skills and expertise. Collaboration and communication are encouraged to ensure everyone understands their role and can contribute effectively.

First, I like to talk more about a ‚challenge‘ than a ‚problem‘. Second, for me it is important to cut the problem into smaller chunks. This will help gain quick traction and tackle the challenge step by step, chunk by chunk, analysis by analysis.

If the team has been attacking the problem for a while, the first thing i would suggest it to step away from it momentarily. The following recommendation would be to breakdown the problem into first principles to avoid any biases which may have guided initial pursuits. This will also allow for fresh perspectives not only to the problem itself but also for a richer information gathering and discovery activity. I always find it valueable to seek a definition of what success looks like which allows to gauge the distance to satisfactory solutions which can also limit overthinking and drift.

A 'Problem' is not a real problem if it's not complex and this is where leadership skills come into picture when we get into a team setting. As a Team Leader, it's your job to turn that complex problem into a learning opportunity for your team. Get to the bottom of it and you will find out the solution.

Medir los objetivos y saber el alcance que quieres lleagr para realmente saber como preparar tu metodo sera necesario, con que recursos cuentas para lleagar a ello.

Once you know the problem, think..if it comes under your area of influence, define the way with objectives and tentative timeline and periodic review on the status. If the problem comes under your area of concern, get in touch with your superior and seek help to address that.

When defining objectives we have to start with the end in mind. This ensures that our objectives meet our desired end states. By using SMART objectives, we are giving our team clear and achievable results.

When brainstorming I first try to eliminate as many distractions as possible. If you are able to isolate your team from other distractions they became more agile in developing niche and nuanced approaches to problem solving. Then through linking similar solutions together you can identify common sense approaches to even complex problems.

In my experience embracing creativity and innovations is extremely critical in identifying potential solutions brainstorming these solutions. I have always noticed that to embrace creativity and innovation, you need to take a pause, regain yourself and reflect on a problem from multiple prospectives. Remember, if you continue to think in the same way there is high chances that you would keep doing 2+2=5. For me thinking and analysing from stakeholder's perspective has always been very helpful both in identifying the problem and finding potential solutions.

To Get started you first need to make sure everybody has The same understanding of The issue. Then invite staff to Creative mapping of solutiones. Cross competence sharing is key to Get ideas on The table.

Involcrar al equipo es necesario para tomar las decisiones que a todos les beneficiaria, evaluaciones solidas, concretas y bien estructuradas.

Periodic review will tell you what you have achieved so far and blocker and most of the time it will identify the error which we made in the first step

When evaluating strategy you have to ensure that you are identifying the second and third order effects. By identifying these effects we can better advise senior leaders on the rewards and risks inherent in their decision making. Effective evaluation is paramount to problem solving.

In tackling intricate team hurdles, I employ a systematic approach derived from experience. It starts by setting clear objectives, ensuring everyone grasps our shared goals. Then, I promote collaboration, tapping into my team's diverse skills to generate various solutions. The pivotal step involves meticulously evaluating each option, considering feasibility, risks, and alignment with our goals. Involving every team member enriches our decision-making with unique perspectives. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of our options, we transparently select the most promising solution. This approach, refined over time, consistently steers us through tough challenges, bolstering our team's resilience and adaptability.

Companies, especially larger ones become way too complicated. Startups are relatively agile. One of the ways that companies can implement strategies effectively is to create Strategy Dashboards with weighted KPIs. That worked for one of the best companies I worked with. I had the good fortune of designing this template/ dashboard. I can share more if any one is interested!

Complex problems demand a strategic approach. Communication openly with your team to ensure everyone understands the challenge. Break down the problem into smaller, manageable parts, assigning specific tasks to each member. Encourage diverse perspectives and brainstorming sessions to generate innovative solutions. Utilize data and research to inform decision-making. If necessary be open to engaging a third-party subject matter expert.

Work with your reporting team to develop reports that identify your primary goal and other activities that help you reach that goal.

It is relevant to place forward a clear strategy to consistently gathering feedback from stakeholders and team members. The monitoring progress "and process" should then be optimized -regularly- by making both adjustments and corrective measures over the objectives.

There are people who love complexity and there are people who can break any complex problem down to a simple structure. If you want to solve the complex problem, go for the simplifiers. Reduce to the essence. There is always a clear core in the most complex challenge. Encourage the truthtellers that have the gift of identifying it.

In my experience, tackling complex problems requires 'diversified collaborative thinking.' Begin by thoroughly understanding the issue from multiple perspectives. Set clear, achievable goals to guide the problem-solving process. Encourage a wide range of solutions, valuing each team member's unique input. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option, fostering a culture of critical evaluation. Select and implement the most viable strategy, ensuring all team members are aligned and committed. Continuously monitor the outcomes, ready to adapt and refine the approach as needed, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

In my experience the best is to break the challenge down into manageable pieces. We don't have to solve everything at once. Keep calm and unpack the challenges to make sure your are asking the right questions. Work with you team to co-create the correct solutions.

The best way to break down a challenge is to accept the leadership role for solving or mitigating the problem. Engage your team members to break down the challenge from their perspective and ask for solutions. Build consensus within the team, to solve the problem and resolve the challenge.

Complex problems are often overlooked and treated as simple problems. They are not the same. When solving complex problems, define the following with the team: 1️⃣The scope of the problem 2️⃣The impact of the problem 3️⃣The resources available to solve the problem 4️⃣Potential changes to the situation 5️⃣Potential solutions 6️⃣Optimal solutions 7️⃣The impact of optimal solutions 8️⃣Ways of implementing solutions 9️⃣The method of measuring solution success