Group Decision-Making Methods

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Using formal group decision-making processes for problem-solving and prioritizing keeps the focus on the facts and reduces the role of raw emotion. This, in turn, reduces conflicts, improves the quality of your decisions, and builds buy-in up front so implementation is easier.

Cost-benefit analysis is one example of a group problem-solving method. Below is another, TeamTrainers' copyrighted "Ultimate Problem" method.

Define the Problem

  1. Define the problem as specifically as possible.
  2. Discuss whether it is a problem the whole team must spend time on, and if not, delegate it to a subteam or individual.
  3. For a team decision, ask whether you have all relevant information and if not, set an action item for someone to gather the rest.
  4. In the next team meeting after the item is due, have the person report his or her findings.
  5. Have the team describe how the situation would look if there were not a problem. (The answer defines the goal of the problem-solving exercise.)
  6. Write the problem as defined in #1 near the bottom left corner of a board or flip chart.

Address the Cause

  1. Ask the team, "What person or organization seems to be causing this problem?"
  2. Write the answer to that question above and to the right of the problem.
  3. Ask, "What prevents (the person or organization) from solving this problem?"
  4. Write the answer(s) below the name.
  5. Ask, "What person or organization seems to be the biggest cause of these problems that prevent (the first person or organization) from solving our problem?"
  6. Write the answer to that question above and to the right of the previous name.
  7. Continue the process until you reach the initial problem's ultimate cause.
  8. Create action items to deal with that "ultimate problem."

There are many books available on group problem-solving and decision-making. Using techniques from any of them is better than using none. Also, TeamTrainers offers:

  • A group problem-solving class that gives you practice on a number of formal methods using the team's real-world issues.
  • A facilitation service that can ease group decision-making on complex issues by using a neutral facilitator trained in a variety of techniques.
  • More than 70 pages of techniques for addressing a range of team issues, including 16 related directly to this topic, in our "do-it-yourself" team building book.
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