Collaboration

Phases of A Collaborative Problem Solving Process

1) Goal Setting

• Identify the reason for the meeting
• Identify the roles of any additional members of the team
• Establish roles for the meeting (facilitator, recorder, timekeeper)
• Set goals for the meeting process

2) Problem Identification

• Person raising agenda item describes the nature of the problem
• Team members access pertinent information related to the problem
• Team members create a problem statement that includes supporting and detailed descriptors

3) Solutions Phase

• Brainstorm solutions
• Evaluate pros and cons of each solution
• Reach consensus on the solution(s) that will best address the problem

4) Action Steps

• Team specifies a plan of action to implement the solutions
• Establish who will be responsible for doing what and by when

5) Evaluation of Action Plan

• Team establishes procedures for determining the effectiveness of the action plan
• Team establishes a date for evaluation of the plan

6) Follow Up / Redesign

• On evaluation date, team assesses whether the plan was effective by
• Was there satisfaction from the individuals involved with the plan?
• If improvement cannot be demonstrated, a redesign of the action plan may be in order (establish new problem statement and/or solutions)

For more detailed information on this meeting process, see this presentation on the process.