Here's how you can amplify problem-solving in a Strategy role through collaboration and teamwork.

1. Break the problem into smaller executable pieces 2. Identify team members and assign pieces based on their strengths 3. Design a collaboration framework which allows freedom to work on individual pieces whilst not losing sight of the common objective 4. encourage cross functional extension of skills to supplement and complement team members so that the interdependence strengthens team spirit 5. devise mechanism for flow of information so that team members develop sensitivity for others challenges and contribution and in the process develop new skills 6. develop a feedback mechanism for improved efficiencies on similar subsequent tasks

Encourage a diverse team composition in terms of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. Diversity brings varied viewpoints and approaches, enhancing creativity and problem-solving capabilities. It helps in identifying blind spots and generating innovative solutions. Valuing diversity fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute, leading to richer, more effective problem-solving.

1. Leverage on human centred problem solving methodologies such as design thinking, to arrive at long lasting solutions 2. Not all people are vocal about expressing their ideas in front of others. Hence it’s likely for problems, ideas and solutions to be the contribution of mostly that of more vocal participants. Provide physical and technological mediums for everyone to participate. 3. Create an environment to make people feel encouraged and motivated to express their views without feeling judged or scared. 4. Provide timely mentoring, coaching and encouragement for your team to feel valued 5. Employ good conflict management skills to resolve issues timely

In my experience an adding diversity to a team adds a lot of flavour to the recipe of success. My team always has a mix of people with varying appetite for risk and that has dramatically helped us in taking calculated risks. No decision is iffy or conservative, every decision goes through the team and gets shaped so beautifully.

1.Be inclusive - every perspective is important 2.Bring people along the journey with facts, data, emotions 3. Be authentic and real so that strategy is relatable

Very often, leaders or managers look for "like-minded people" to join their team. However, this approach is dangerous because it leads to a strategy development team consisting of people who view clients, the company, and its products from the same perspective. Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, always rejected an idea if all team members liked it. He believed that the best ideas should provoke debates and disagreements. There will be many debates and disagreements if the team is diverse, with people having different experiences and viewpoints. The main thing they should have in common is a focus on solving problems, not arguing for the sake of arguing.

Imagine a situation where everyone comes from similar backgrounds with similar ideas, experiences and opinions. How difficult it would be to bring new ideas to the table in such a situation! Diversity sparks up discussions where new ideas are seamlessly generated and problems are solved in a creative way. Encourage Diversity and get everyone involved in the strategy formulation and implementation. You will see the difference it brings in to the organisation.

I asked my wife "You know why there is a gap between our fingers?". She asked curiously "Why, my love?" I answered, "So that somebody special fills those gaps with his fingers, and hence we both develop a strong bond". It might seem a bit romantic, and why not, especially when it is truly valid in almost all parts of our lives? A strategy leader is responsible for developing a culture of "Integrability". We should appreciate the thinking patterns and actions of leveraging ones' areas of improvement with others' areas of strength. Filling the gap in the fingers of your significant other with your fingers is a perfect example of integrability.

Clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of each team member to ensure accountability and efficiency. Having well-defined roles helps in leveraging individual strengths and expertise. It minimizes overlaps and gaps in the problem-solving process, ensuring that all aspects of the issue are addressed. This clarity helps streamline efforts and fosters a collaborative, coordinated approach.

Way too often we limit the potential of a team by putting too many defined boundaries around individuals in strategic planning. We bring in Marketing executive and place the limit of their contribution only to matters related to Marketing. We incorrectly assume that this person can only contribute value in a specific domain. This narrow thinking can result in a dull strategy. Open up strategy sessions and create a space where everyone can contribute to areas outside their functional domain. Maybe the best ideas come from people who are not day to day in the weeds of a specific functional domain.

A key part of defining roles includes assigning ownership and empowering others to run a collaborative process in their swim lane.

Don't let your team do all the easy things first. Assign junior employees to difficult tasks. Let them know that cross functional thinking is required, slowly force them out of their comfort zone. Your senior team members should be required to coach junior teammates during difficult periods. That fosters team accountability. I disagree with team harmony which is unrealistic. I see teams fall apart without experiences involving stress. Teams need to practice dealing with real world uncertainty, because the coping skills learned from stressful periods are valuable for team cohesion in my opinion.

Pairing team members and clearly defining and alternating leader/follower responsibilities builds out skills, leadership capabilities and ensures the ability to cover for each other as needed. This worked for me in product and project management as well as paired programming works in Extreme Programming (XP)

A team of strategy experts should work like an orchestra - Everyone focuses on an instrument, but together they play a harmony. To do this - Divide the work into modules with as little overlap as possible - Assign more senior resources to own these modules, considering their skillsets (e.g., let modeling experts own the model) - Assign junior resources to assist with these modules and if possible give them work packages - Facilitate regular collaborative sessions between the module teams to ensure a holistic view of the strategy Assign clear responsibilities and facilitate collaboration to conduce the beautiful melody of strategy.

Identifique as Tarefas: Comece determinando as várias tarefas que precisam ser feitas. Pergunte-se: Quais projetos foram concluídos com sucesso? Quais tarefas ainda estão pendentes? Quais são as atividades diárias de cada membro da equipe? Identifique Lacunas: Compare as tarefas com o que os membros da equipe estão realizando. Isso ajuda a identificar lacunas nas responsabilidades. Às vezes, a descrição do cargo não está clara, ou as pessoas acabam fazendo tarefas diferentes das esperadas. Delegue com Base nas Necessidades: Com base nas tarefas, delegue responsabilidades. Isso promove uma cultura de responsabilidade e comprometimento 💡

C’est le choix le plus noble qu’on puisse faire en tant que manager ou chef d’un département ou équipe, ça permet d’avancer dans un esprit harmonieux

Create an open and trusting environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, feedback, and concerns. Openness encourages free-flowing communication and transparency, which are critical for effective problem-solving. When team members feel heard and valued, they are more likely to contribute actively and constructively. This openness also facilitates quicker identification and resolution of issues.

Creating an environment of being heard and wanted to be listened is very important. Team member cannot feel he could be less important and hence his point is not important. Often the blue eyed folks get all attention and will be spoken to, which can lead to many members feeling left out. It is important to hear out every and communicate the final way forward and why such a decision is being taken which is more logical for the situation than who said it. Feeling inclusive as part of team starts by giving opportunity for each to feel free to express

You could consider a growth mindset by encouraging your team to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This mindset shift can foster resilience, adaptability, and a continuous desire to improve. When team members believe that their abilities can develop through dedication and hard work, they are more likely to take on difficult tasks, embrace feedback, and persist in the face of setbacks. By promoting a growth mindset, you not only enhance individual and collective problem-solving skills but also create a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your team.

Em um ambiente de trabalho, ter uma escuta ativa é fundamental para promover o respeito, a empatia e criar um clima organizacional positivo entre os colaboradores e com as lideranças. A escuta ativa trata de ouvir com interesse o que está sendo dito, mostrando conexão e compreensão das necessidades alheias. Quando todos na equipe têm voz ativa, os resultados incluem ganhos expressivos em saúde mental, bem-estar corporativo, produtividade e lucratividade. Portanto, cultivar essa habilidade é essencial para construir um ambiente saudável e colaborativo. 🌟

By cultivating an open environment, we encourage the free exchange of ideas, where team members feel valued and confident to share their unique perspectives. This openness leads to richer discussions and more innovative solutions, as diverse viewpoints provide multiple angles to tackle complex challenges. Collaboration ensures that these varied insights are integrated into cohesive strategies, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect. By embracing diversity and fostering an open culture, we build stronger, more agile teams capable of driving strategic success through comprehensive and well-rounded solutions.

An open team is a powerhouse. When ideas flow freely and judgment is replaced by active listening and constructive feedback, a magic happens. Diverse perspectives come together, building trust and sparking innovation. It's not just about better solutions, it's about leveraging the collective brain of the team to craft truly effective strategies.

Respect is the foundation of openness. Openness can be encouraged by incorporating team building activities that consist of understanding each individual team member's cultural background, work style, and communication style. Once this is defined by the team, it will lead to mutual understanding and connection. By setting those ground rules, teams will feel encouraged to share ideas to problem-solve.

In my experience, sharing your intention - ultimate goals and intended outcomes from an immediate action - help to build trust. Sharing your intentions also allows others to understand your motivation and offer their resources, e.g. contacts, skills, and knowledge, to help you achieve that goal. Your openness models the culture you would like to have among your team and shows that openness is safe.

Promote healthy debates and constructive discussions within the team. Encourage team members to challenge assumptions, explore different viewpoints, and rigorously analyze solutions. This intellectual engagement leads to a deeper understanding of problems and more robust, well-rounded solutions. It also fosters critical thinking and innovation, driving the team toward the best possible outcomes.

Healthy debate among team members is an essential part of effective collaboration. It allows for the exploration of different perspectives, ideas, and solutions, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving. By engaging in a respectful and constructive debate, team members can challenge assumptions, identify potential risks, and uncover new opportunities. It also encourages critical thinking, creativity, and innovation within the team. Overall, healthy debates foster a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and continuous improvement.

Healthy debate among team members is indeed a powerful catalyst for breakthrough ideas in strategy. However, it is important to emphasize the role of creating a safe and open environment where team members feel encouraged to express differing opinions without fear of criticism. This psychological safety is crucial for fostering genuine creativity. By promoting respectful questioning and challenges, we can harness the collective intelligence of the team to improve potential solutions. This process not only helps identify and mitigate risks but also ensures that our strategies are creative and robust. Ultimately, constructive debate transforms diverse viewpoints into a unified and comprehensive approach, driving more effective outcomes.

One thing i have noticed is that fostering a culture where respectful debate is encouraged can lead to a more dynamic and effective workplace environment.

By cultivating an environment where open dialogue and constructive debate are encouraged, team members feel empowered to share their unique perspectives and challenge assumptions. This robust exchange of ideas sparks creativity and drives innovative solutions, as diverse viewpoints provide multiple angles to tackle complex challenges. Collaboration ensures that these varied insights are integrated into cohesive strategies, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect. By embracing diversity, fostering openness, and encouraging debate, we build stronger, more agile teams capable of driving strategic success through comprehensive and well-rounded solutions.

✴️ Encourage healthy debate. It can lead to breakthrough ideas and improved strategies. ✴️ Foster respectful questioning and challenge of ideas. This refines potential solutions. ✴️ Critical evaluation helps identify and mitigate risks. Ensure the chosen strategy is robust and creative. ✴️ Constructive debate distills diverse viewpoints into a comprehensive approach. It helps in solving complex problems effectively.

Encouraging debate is essential to effective decision making. This is true in all organisations, but perhaps particularly so in the public sector, where strategists have a wider obligation to increase scrutiny and challenge. Arguably the most poignant reminder of this in recent years was the conclusion of the Chilcot Inquiry, which at its heart called out the need for open discussion and diverse perspectives. It pointed out that key decisions regarding the Iraq War lacked adequate debate, which in turn meant that prevailing assumptions went unchallenged and contributed to flawed judgements. Creating an environment where debate can happen requires investment and role-modelling from leaders, plus proactive effort to include quieter voices.

At times it is also important to identify the minor nuances which may not be supported or echoed by many. These "sleepers" may go on to become howlers in the long run. An introspective mind and dispassionate yet analytical ability to examine ideas may be core to break the jinx.

Something vital in any team or organization is to put yourself in the other person's place and to understand where they are coming from. This sounds logical, but I'm amazed at how much people fail to do this. Also, people should actively seek to hear pros and cons of any strategy or idea, and also always look for the opinion of the people who is not that vocal or who don´t participate so much. They may have great ideas but they may just be shy.

Leverage collaboration tools and technologies to enhance communication, project management, and data sharing. Tools like virtual whiteboards, project management software, and data analytics platforms streamline collaborative efforts and make it easier to track progress and share insights. Effective use of these tools enhances efficiency and ensures that the team stays aligned and informed.

I love one methodology called 4D Fluxonomy (Fluxonomia 4D, in Portuguese), developed by a brilliant Brazilian Futurist called Lala Deheinzelin, who I had the luck to work with and learn from. This methodology calls for the combination of potentials of each individual and group as per their resources in terms of cultural, social, technological/environmental, collective relations, financial and new economies. It´s great how it can exponencialise results and collaboration. I´d invite everyone to learn about it!!!

Tools are important but they need to come in order People, Process and Technology. Very reason sometimes even simple notebook and pencil can be tools to help if we have right people and process. Tools help to scale the process to more people but tools alone cannot solve the people and process problems. Sometimes for digital journey a simple excel or word document template could do the trick to start. Also point to note no ERP can solve all the problems by itself and it is always People first, Process next and then Technology to scale.

Leverage tools like Miro to create "location equality" in the collection of ideas between people in the room and people online. There's lots of pre-built templates that you can use to get started - without locking people in to a specific format that might stifle thoughts and innovation

Collaborative tools like Slack are a game-changer for problem-solving teams. Imagine a central hub where everyone can brainstorm on digital whiteboards, organize tasks seamlessly, and stay in sync – that's the power of these platforms. They break down silos, boost communication, and ensure everyone contributes, no matter the location. This connected environment fosters a dynamic approach to strategy, allowing teams to adapt and solve problems faster.

Utilizing the right tools can transform how your team collaborates and innovates. Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams foster real-time communication, while Trello or Asana help manage tasks and timelines efficiently. Digital whiteboards like Miro allow for brainstorming sessions that capture and organize ideas visually. These tools create an environment where information is easily accessible, and team members can work together seamlessly, even if they are geographically dispersed. By integrating these tools into your workflow, you enhance transparency, accountability, and agility, enabling your team to tackle challenges more effectively and adapt to changing strategic needs.

After addressing a problem, take time to reflect on the process and outcomes. Conduct post-mortem analyses to understand what worked, what didn’t, and why. Encourage team members to share their learnings and experiences. This reflection helps in identifying best practices and areas for improvement, fostering continuous learning and development. It ensures that the team evolves and improves its problem-solving capabilities over time.

Reflection is important in a team environment but it is also incredibly valuable as an individual. Adopting a reflective practice through journaling provides an opportunity to reflect on what has gone well, what hasn't, feelings of fears or uncertainty, successes along the way and the final outcome. Journaling provides a fresh perspective to yourself, your capabilities and as a result allows you to view yourself in hindsight, and be able to take those learnings forward. Journaling will help you track your personal and professional progress and growth which will ultimately lead to achieving your goals.

As a project comes to an end, can’t overstate the importance of celebrating, sharing results and documenting lessons learned

Implementing regular feedback loops can continuously improve processes and solutions. Encourage team members to provide constructive feedback on each other’s ideas.

Knowledge transfer can be a crucial asset for teams that have rich experiences to draw on. Foster team learning through inclusive practices that leverage past project outcomes.

Totally true. Just as with reading and writing, active learning is key. Reading is critical, then doing it again and highlighting important parts yields exponential results. If then it is written down and maybe even memorized like a language drill or mnemonic system, it's another exponential gain. For the individual and the team.

In strategy, problem-solving thrives through collaboration and teamwork. Reflect on achievements driven by collective brilliance – each perspective an invaluable puzzle piece unveiling innovative solutions. Embrace diverse backgrounds and experiences. Encourage open dialogue valuing every voice. True transformation takes root in this melting pot of ideas, propelling unprecedented heights. Celebrate triumphs, but dissect challenges with a growth mindset. Every obstacle harbors a lesson fortifying team problem-solving prowess. Our strength lies in uniting minds and harnessing collective intelligence. Embrace lessons as wisdom guiding unparalleled problem-solving capabilities and strategic success.

Ever wondered why some teams seem to navigate the storm with grace, while others struggle to paddle through? It's not just about having a robust strategy or the right skills. It's about the power of reflection. After every project, challenge, or milestone, taking a moment to pause and reflect can be the difference between stagnation and growth. It's a simple practice, yet profoundly transformative. Analyzing what worked well and what didn't isn't about assigning blame. It's about learning, adapting, and evolving. Successes teach us what to replicate. Failures? They're gold mines of insight, showing us what to tweak, change, or completely overhaul.

I agree that fostering openness and encouraging debate are key to successful problem solving while developing, and ultimately implementing, a strategy. However, this requires ensuring that you first create the proper culture across your enterprise. Far too often I have watched the words "transparency", "growth mindset" and "radical candor" touted, but actual true, listening and reflection on all that is shared, and gracious extraction of ideas from those who might not otherwise share insights, simply does not happen. As leaders, it is essential that we recognize our own and our businesses' cultural and operating biases so that we can break bad habits and achieve optimal collaboration to achieve significant success.

Chaos and confusion are great moments that can foster breakthrough ideas. It typically takes someone with the awareness, and not to get too caught up in the chaos, to realize, "here is an amazing opportunity

1. Making choices 2. Fostering commitment 3. Achieving results from choices. Absent these three outcomes, strategy is little more than an intellectual exercise. The six suggestions listed may help reveal choice options, but none directly address making a choice - deciding "we will do these things; we will not do those things". Specifically, how will money, effort, resources be allocated to drive toward a goal. The six suggestions may help foster commitment, giving stakeholders a voice in shaping choices, but none directly address how final choices will be made and who makes them. The open and exploratory part of strategy is the fun part. The politics and power dynamics of making final choices is where the challenge lies.

In a Strategy role, collaboration and teamwork are key to effective problem-solving. By fostering diverse teams, open communication, and clear goals, you can enhance your team's ability to tackle challenges. Embrace these practices to drive success and innovation. 🌟✨ For more insights, explore "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni and "Team of Teams" by General Stanley McChrystal. 📚 #TakeAction #StrategicLeadership #TeamSuccess #Strategy

Leadership involvement can be a valuable component in problem solving. Involving leadership can help ensure alignment with strategic goals and provide guidance and support to the team.

Muy importante en toda organización, no importa el tamaño, es el buen trato. Entendiendo, por tal, el respecto,la no descalificación y ampliar la capacidad de escuchar....

I'm with you on most of the comments, but it's essential to consider whether the team is fully aligned with the company's vision, mission, and goals. Collaborating and problem-solving in an aligned way leads to better discussions and outcomes, shifting the focus from individual efforts to the collective pursuit of the best possible scenarios to achieve a common goal.

Understand the difference between what's possible and what is probable. Countless times I've seen people pitch market opportunities with a new audience without understanding why they're not already customers. For example, many companies still talk about getting Millennials in their brand/franchise, but the time to do that was twenty years ago.