Problem-Solving in Groups

(Leadership) Chapter 10

LO1

• Steps in the problem-solving process

LO2 • Shared leadership roles

LO3

• Ways to make meetings effective

LO1

• Steps in the problem-solving process

LO2 • Shared leadership roles

LO3

• Ways to make meetings effective

The problem-solving process

1. Identify and define the problem

2. Analyze the problem

3. Determine criteria for judging solutions

4. Identify alternative solutions

5. Evaluate solutions and decide

6. Implement the agreed-upon solution

Step 5: Evaluate Solutions and

Decide Expert opinion method

Average group opinion

method

Majority rule method

Unanimous decision method

Consensus method

Decision-making in groups

Expert opinion method

•Person with most knowledge decides

•Useful when short on time

Decision-making in groups

Average group opinion method

• Rank alternatives

• Average the score

• Useful in eliminating low-interest options

Decision-making in groups

Majority rule method

•Simple vote

•What are the advantages?

•What are the disadvantages?

Decision-making in groups

Unanimous decision method

• Every one truly agrees on same option; all believe it is the #1 choice

• Advantages?

• Disadvantages?

Decision-making in groups

Consensus method

• Every one agrees to support the chosen solution.

• Every one sees benefit in chosen solution

• Disadvantage: Takes more time than “Expert opinion” or “Majority rule”

• Advantage: More commitment from members

LO1

• Steps in the problem-solving process

LO2 • Shared leadership roles

LO3

• Ways to make meetings effective

Shared Leadership

• Set of functions

• Can be performed by one or all group members.

Leadership:

• Group members who emerge to help meet group challenges.

Informal leaders:

• Roles that members perform to facilitate group’s work.

Shared leadership functions:

Leadership Roles

Task Roles

Maintenance Roles

Procedural Roles

[Self-centered Roles]

Task Roles

Information/opinion givers

Information/opinion seekers

Information/opinion analyzers

Maintenance Roles

Supporters

Interpreters

Harmonizers

Mediators

Tension Relievers

Procedural Roles

Logistics coordinators

Expediters

Gatekeepers

Recorders

Self-Serving Roles

Aggressors

Jokers

Withdrawers

Blockers

LO1

• Steps in the problem-solving process

LO2 • Shared leadership roles

LO3

• Ways to make meetings effective

Effective meetings

• Study the agenda / minutes

• Do your “homework”

• List questions

Before the meeting

• Listen & Focus

• Ask questions

• Take notes

• Balance your contributions

During the meeting

• Review your notes

• Complete your tasks

• Communicate progress

After the meeting

LO1

• Steps in the problem-solving process

LO2 • Shared leadership roles

LO3

• Ways to make meetings effective