Leading the problem solving workshops

A problem is any deviation from standards or expectations that carries negative connotations.
In everyday life, problems can lead to situations that cause us failure to achieve our goals.
In business, problems can lead to low productivity, poor quality, high costs or even loss of customers.
As with any methodology, there are obstacles in the process of solving problems. Among them we could list: Lack of problem solving tools, lack of time, resources, fear of failure or failure, lack of teamwork and last but not least, lack of motivation.
Leaders have an important role to play in problem-solving workshops. Their role is to allocate resources and time, to remove obstacles or blockages, to ensure that the solutions identified within the team will be implemented correctly and on time.

Simple problems can be solved in meetings (workshops), often in a whole day or several days. Production, quality, maintenance and / or other engineers can work in teams to solve a problem.
The process often combines elements of qualitative research, brainstorming and problem-solving knowledge. These may involve a larger number of people than conventional group discussions and often require a moderator or facilitator.

Teamwork is a condition of success in solving more complex problems. The team is actually a group of people who have knowledge of the process / product, authority and skills in solving the problem and implementing corrective actions. It is recommended that the team be composed of 4-10 members (core) and specialists can be requested when needed (non core team).
Communication within the team is very important. Among the rules of communication we mention: speak on purpose, speak from personal experience and come up with examples, reconstruct statements and proposals, first statements and then questions, describe, do not judge, admit that feelings can affect the problem-solving meeting.

A key role in the success of a problem-solving session is played by the moderator.
This is the "director" of the team that knows the "play" very well. He makes sure that the energy is constantly moving within the team, that everyone participates in the process, that everyone stays focused on the problem and no one gets lost along the way.
Also, most of the time, it has the role of preparing the meetings both as logistics and as equipment to use (laptop, projector, flip-chart or stationery).

The 3 major steps to be taken in the problem solving process are: Planning, Preparation and Technical Development.
In the Planning stage, the purpose will be defined, which participants will be invited, when and where the meeting will be held and what agenda will be proposed.
In the Preparation stage, the participants will be invited, the logistical organization will be decided (the way of placing the participants in the meeting). The following is the technical development in which the following chapters are most often encountered: Introduction, Brainstorming, Selection of ideas, Transformation of ideas into solutions, Evaluation & Prioritization and Action Plan. Within the technical development, the chosen methods for solving the problems depend on the complexity and the level of participation of the specialists. Among the methodologies we mention: PDCA, A3, 8D, Kaizen, Six Sigma (DMAIC).

A less common and undisputed aspect is the recognition of team and individual merits. This recognition will increase the self-esteem of the team members and will motivate the team members in the future.
Recognition must be done in a timely manner and correlated with each other's achievements.

Don't forget to celebrate successes, they create the motivational premises for the following challenges.