Creating inclusive problem-solving

Getting voices into the room relies on open communication and ensuring this happens. I've sat in on many meetings where only a small number or the same people dominate and contribute. You want to do everything you can to ensure there is a range of perspectives. I think this is all about good facilitation and someone who knows how to do this well. And even if that's not the case, there are plenty of frameworks out there that can help with this. So don't be nervous if you've never done this before. Inclusive problem-solving is important because it can be easy to assume that everyone's idea of the perfect outcome is the same. So instead of making assumptions about the kind of solution you need to be looking for, look to understand other people's opinions and perspectives. Somebody in your team might come up with a creative approach that you wouldn't have thought of. By giving everyone a voice, you can open yourself up to bigger, better ways of thinking and approaching the problem. In other words, keep an open mind about what the eventual outcome should be, as well as how you should get there. Make sure you give everyone the chance to have their say. In a team situation is often the loudest people whose opinions carry the most weight, but being more assertive doesn't necessarily mean having the best ideas. In fact, if you are naturally quieter like me, it can be really hard to speak up and contribute in those situations. Inclusive problem solving means that everyone gets the opportunity to voice their opinions and share ideas. Pay particular attention to those who are shyer or quieter, as they may not feel able to speak up, but they might have great ideas. Encourage them to speak and share their thoughts. One way to make sure everyone gets a chance to speak and be heard is to go around the room and give everyone a certain amount of time, say one or two minutes, to share their initial thoughts. If you're having a more open discussion, make the effort to advocate for quieter people to ensure their voices are heard. Make your meetings and discussions a no-interruption zone. Foster a no-bad-ideas environment. A big part of problem-solving is simply coming up with different ideas to figure out the best approach to take. It's vital to have there-are-no-bad-or-silly-ideas approach to at least an initial mind mapping phase. This gives people freedom to get creative without worrying that others will mock or belittle their ideas. And it's a really important part of inclusive problem-solving. You never know. The genius idea that saves your project might come from someone who is hesitant to share it in case others thought it was silly. View the problem as the enemy, not each other. Think of your colleagues as people on your side, not your rivals. Even if you approach the problem differently, presumably, you all want to see the most positive result possible. Assume that the other people you're working with are on your side against the problem. Working together as allies builds trust and mutual respect, which will not only help you solve the problem in front of you but improve your working relationship over the longer term. Disagree respectfully. You won't agree with your colleagues or teammates all the time, especially when it comes to problem solving, but you do have to disagree respectfully. This means not putting down others' ideas. If you believe something isn't going to work, explain why without making it personal. A team can only be truly inclusive and allow a wide diversity of thoughts and ideas if it's possible for members to disagree with each other in an empathetic and considerate way. Otherwise, it will simply be the most forceful personalities who get their way. Respectful disagreement fosters an environment where people feel safe enough to share their thoughts. Make sure you invite different personality types into the discussion. Some people are very creative, and others are very analytical, or they lean towards those areas. Some are a mix of the two. And the key to inclusive problem-solving is to have both types of people in the room and give their thoughts and opinions equal weight. If you are a very analytical person, getting perspectives from more creative people will open you up to new ways of thinking, and vice versa. Be very wary of problem-solving sessions where everyone in the room thinks in largely the same way. Diversity of personality type and problem-solving style is tremendously important.