Leadership skills in
Team Problem Solving
A
team leader should be able to:
(1) state a problem in such a way not to make the group
defensive - but constructive.
e.g. how to make the job more safe, rather
than “employees more careful”.
(2) Provide information and direction:
-
supply essential facts and clarify area of “freedom” without
suggesting a solution. (avoid long preliminary speeches)
-
restate problem in a new form
-
restate accurately the ideas and feelings expressed in a
more abbreviated, pointed, clearer form
-
point up facts that differences exist and are part of the
problem.
(3) Interpersonal relations:
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draw out persons so that all members participate
-
accept contributions
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make reluctant one feel ideas are wanted, needed
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prevent talkative individuals from dominating
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accept feelings and attitudes of all
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protect individuals under attack by others
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accept conflict as good, essential to group
(4) Control team discussions:
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wait out pauses
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ask questions that stimulate problem-solving behavior
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summarize as the need arises
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move the discussion along
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indicate progress
(5) Essential attitudes:
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good Social Perception (understand how others feel)
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Treat members as peers, not subordinates
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Show positive attitude
(6) Deal with deadlock:
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Recognize entrenched positions
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Know how to build concensus