The scientific approach to solving problems in meetings
As businesses face challenges on a regular basis, leaders and team members strive to find different ways to solve problems.
Sometimes, when the issues become too complex, this might compel a mind-racking approach to get things sorted.
You could always try the scientific approach to tackle your business problems!
Identify the problem
Hours and energy gets wasted during a meeting when everyone keeps complicating the problem with unnecessary banter. When following a methodical problem solving approach, the following things must be tackled: who, what, where, when, how and to what extent. The meeting can get good headway if the problem can be measured and quantified.
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Hypothesise
Given all the variables and factors regarding the problem at hand, form an educated prediction or proposed solution. You can think of the hypothesis as, “solution ‘X’ results to ‘Y’.” Make sure that the proposed solution is realistically doable so that it can solve the identified problem.
Conduct an experiment
This does not give the team the green light to play around. As every business problem has its level of implications, the activity will confirm the team’s hypothesis. The team must treat the experiment with fairness and objectivity; it must include a significant number of participants and have ample time to collect the information.
Analyse
Once the experiment is complete, the team can finally analyse the results of the meeting. When the success of the hypothesis has been confirmed, this will give the team an additional insight so that they may form a new hypothesis or solution.
Spread the results
Whether the whole process results in success or failure, let the whole organisation know about it in the meeting. This will help sponsors and participants understand what issues have been resolved and what points need further attention.
Bonus: Introduce new blood
This may not be included in the basic scientific method approach but it can be vital to solve business problems in meetings. Behavioural scientists advocate that ‘super teams’ can be very creative in resolving problems in the beginning but if the members stay the same, the team will eventually be exhausted of ideas.
Adding a new member – who has no preconceived notion of any worn-out methods – may just be the ‘spark’ that is needed to ignite the next prodigy solution to your business problems.
Rack the team’s brains in the most methodical-friendly meeting rooms in London and you might just discover that our location is the missing variable for your business solution needs. Call 0800 073 0499 for any further assistance.
