Let’s talk more about team focus.
I’ve worked with numerous teams since 2011 – great teams, dysfunctional teams and OK teams – a wide variety! When I think about the greatest teams I’ve worked with, one the characteristics they have is a strong solution focus. Their language as they collaborate mirrors their mindset. They typically don’t get caught-up in problem and drama and instead understand enough about the problem to then move into solution mode, swiftly.
Characteristics of a solution-focused team:
- They understand enough about the problem to solve it
- They don’t get locked in the drama when things go wrong
- They ask solution focused and open ended questions
- Innovation is how they roll (and they’re much nicer to be around)
- They set each other up to succeed
- Importantly, they have a leader who ‘leads by example’ and is a ‘Solutioneer’ by nature
When we’re Solution Focused, we’re creating chemistry in the brain that is better for our mental and physical wellbeing, we’re also having more fun!
Action Points
As a leader, check-yourself – how do you respond to setbacks? Your responses influence your team’s state, so ensure you’re resilient!
Ask great questions like:
- What will it take to turn this around?
- What does this problem look like as a goal?
- How do we seize this as an opportunity?
Talk to your team about ‘solution focus’ and do some research and explore with them the neuroscience behind it … it’s fascinating!
Photo by Mikael Kristenson on Unsplash