Managers should be able
to use problem-solving teams consisting of employees with cross-functional
skills to solve challenging organizational issues. In designing and managing
such teams, the following are some important points to consider:
- If the team is expected to implement new ideas, include members from different levels of the organization. Creating a team with members from different levels (frontline employees and supervisors, for example) can also foster cooperation and reduce barriers between employees and managers.
- Monitor the team to ensure that the free exchange of ideas and creativity is not stifled if managers and employees are on the same team.
- Select members for their expertise and diverse perspectives but also for their ability to compromise and solve problems collaboratively.
- Allow the team enough time to complete its task. The more complex the problem, and the more creative the solution needs to be, the more large blocks of time the members will need.
- Coordinate with other managers to free up time for the members.
- Provide clear goals and guidelines on what you expect the team to do. Tell them what they can and cannot address.
- Schedule periodic team meetings to reinforce the process of solving problems collectively. Such meetings can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the team.