Ten reasons to use a team to solve a problem.

1. To generate fifteen alternative solutions instead of three.
2. To get more ideas on the way a project could go wrong. Think BP oil spill.
3. To gain technical insights that the manager doesn’t have. Managers think they know everything. They don’t.
4. To get Time Span perspectives on solutions from long-term impact to short-term execution.
5. To gain willing cooperation from the same team that identifies AND executes the solution. If the team does not believe in the solution, their execution will be poor.
6. To shift the energy from the manager to the team. Without this energy, the solution might not work. If all the energy comes from the manager, you will have a very tired, burnt out manager.
7. To increase engagement, team spirit, to build cooperation. If you want to build a team, give them a problem to solve.
8. To keep watchful eyes on the project, engaged watchful eyes, when the manager has to leave for a meeting.
9. To solve the same problem faster, the next time, even if the manager is not around.
10. It’s not that I am lazy, but my stress level, as a manager, goes down when I can share the work.

The next topic in our Working Leadership Online program is all about Team Problem Solving. It kicks off on Monday, July 5 (I know some of you will still be celebrating July 4). As is our custom, we are opening (50) Introductory Memberships to the program. If you would like to get on the list, follow this link to FREE Introductory Membership.

Your Introductory Membership makes you a full participant in this highly interactive learning program. Here’s what people say about it.

There’s a lot of valuable information in this course that isn’t easily available elsewhere, and the coaching from Tom in addition to accountability for actually carrying out the assignments makes for a solid learning experience. Keep up the good work. The online format makes the course accessible, and makes it easy to put into practice directly in a work environment. -Erik LaBianca

The option of learning online at my convenience is a great benefit. This program is excellent – I learned many things that I can apply as a manager. -Arlene Breitkreuz

I want to institutionalize this online training as a mandatory part of every manager’s experience in my company. -Derek Bullen

Why not take a minute, now, and sign up here? Working Leadership Introductory Membership