Team-Based Problem Solving

INSIGHTS’ Team-based Problem Solving Training is called TAPS (Team Attitude and Problem Solving). It is a combination of team building using the MBTI® and a problem solving model based on Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s work on the pursuit of Quality.

Today, most leaders recognize that quality is a key necessity for organizational success and survival. Quality improvement comes through effectiveness and effective leadership comes through effective training.

Insights’ Team Attitude and Problem-Solving (TAPS) model uses a mixture of traditional and non-traditional teaching approaches to accommodate a variety of different learning styles. As a result, the learning that occurs can be quickly applied in the workplace.

First, people are introduced to the theory and application of the MBTI® as a way of understanding personality types and appreciating differences among one another. From this introduction participants are formed into teams of different personality types in order to promote diversity and creativity. The teams are trained in the following “softer skills,” such as listening, giving and receiving feedback, following through on team commitments, organizing and managing effective meetings, recordkeeping, and presentation skills. The other part of the TAPS model relies on the understanding and application of data or the scientific approach. The INSIGHTS Problem Solving Diamond illustrates a typical eight step problem solving model. Some of the techniques taught are:

• Design and use of data sheets or check sheets

• Flow Charts

• Use of Experts

• Use of Surveys

• Pareto Analysis

• Cause and Effect Analysis (Fishbone Diagram)

• Run Charts

• Scatter Diagrams

• Cost Benefit Analysis

• Force Field Analysis

• Product Costing

Insights Problem Solving Diamond
 

TAPS Training Outline
 
Focus on Team Building

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator — Understanding yourself and others

• Reflective Listening and Feedback

• Dynamics of Team Development

• Personal Commitment to the Team

Focus on Problem Identification and Data Analysis

• History of the Quality Movement

• Cost of Quality

• Problem-Solving Diamond

• Data Analysis tools—cause-effect diagrams, flow charts, check sheets, Pareto charts, etc.

Data Analysis and Application

• Understanding product costs

• Cost Benefit Analysis

• Case Study in Process Analysis and Application

Focus: Implementation and Follow up

• Case Study

• Getting Teams Started Right

• Setting Team and Individual Goals

 
Community Leadership Training

Community Leadership Training is designed to develop people willing to take places of leadership in community civic and not-for-profit organizations. Trainees are frequently sponsored by businesses, which benefit from the skills developed in the training.

Insights and Cathay Consulting Services work in conjunction with local community steering committees to initiate and offer Community Leadership Training.

Studies conducted to identify characteristics of effective leaders confirm that leadership effectiveness is both an art and a science.

Leadership is an art in the sense that people are extremely complex, at times unpredictable and unique as individuals. Therefore, a leader must be an astute observer of human beings to understand, predict, and motivate different people at different times in different situations.

Leadership is a science in the sense that research and experience have identified techniques that are effective in influencing people in a variety of settings. Because leadership skills can be taught, people of all personalities can learn leadership techniques that enhance their effectiveness—on the job, in the community and at home.

Community Leadership Training is designed to teach new skills, enhance understanding of self, and increase awareness of self. The training utilizes a teaching approach which incorporates commonly-recognized principles of adult education-small group discussion, facilitated lecture/discussion, and application to daily situations.

Leadership Topics & Agenda

Week One: Working Together to Achieve Results

• Group Development Exercise

• Administer Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

• Preparing to be an effective team member

Week Two: Understanding Myself and Others

• Feedback and MBTI® Interpretation

• MBTI® Exercises

• Time Management

Week Three: Listening and Communicating

• Getting a Good Start (as a team)

• Reflective Listening and exercises

• Communication preferences and MBTI® type

Week Four: Making Meetings Effective

• Team Processes and MBTI® type

• Getting Work Done in Teams

• Team Process Tools—agendas, action plans, deployment charts, etc.

• Robert’s Rules of Order—overview

Week Five: Motivating Self and Others

• Motivation and MBTI® type

• Motivation exercises

• Knowing When and How to End a Team

Week Six: Leadership

• Leadership Styles

• Looking at My Leadership Style

• Leadership exercises

Week Seven: Putting it all Together

• Dealing with Team Problems

• Overcoming Obstacles—Force Field Analysis

• Making Effective Presentations

Week Eight: Celebration & Graduation

 
FACILITATOR/LEADER TRAINING

This interactive training is for team facilitators and leaders involved in company problem solving teams. Topics include:

• The Role of the Facilitator

• Characteristics of an Effective Facilitator

• Process Facilitation Skills

• Team Dynamics

• How to Help Team Leaders Keep Teams Focused and Productive

• How to Diagnose Team Problems

• When to Intervene with Team Problems

• Documentation and Recordkeeping

ADDITIONAL TRAINING TOPICS

Conflict Management Training

Effective Communication—Listening, Giving And Receiving Feedback