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:

  1. supply essential facts and clarify area of “freedom” without suggesting a solution.  (avoid long preliminary speeches)
  2. restate problem in a new form
  3. restate accurately the ideas and feelings expressed in a more abbreviated, pointed, clearer form
  4. point up facts that differences exist and are part of the problem.


(3) Interpersonal relations:

  1. draw out persons so that all members participate
  2. accept contributions
  3. make reluctant one feel ideas are wanted, needed
  4. prevent talkative individuals from dominating
  5. accept feelings and attitudes of all
  6. protect individuals under attack by others
  7. accept conflict as good, essential to group
 
(4) Control team discussions:
  1. wait out pauses
  2. ask questions that stimulate problem-solving behavior
  3. summarize as the need arises
  4. move the discussion along
  5. indicate progress
 (5)  Essential attitudes:
  1. good Social Perception (understand how others feel)
  2. Treat members as peers, not subordinates
  3. Show positive attitude


(6) Deal with deadlock:
 

  1. Recognize entrenched positions
  2. Know how to build concensus