All emotions, thoughts and behaviours interconnect with our core, basic human needs. Problems and conflicts – in and out of the workplace – (and elsewhere) can result from work-specific needs that either aren’t or are threatened to go unsatisfied. Knowing how to implement needs-based problem-solving can help managers become more effective. Using this skill also helps to reduce negative emotions in the workplace.
There are 4 important steps to needs-based problem-solving:
- Identify the work-specific needs of all involved parties. These include:
- Appreciation
- Fairness
- Equity in decision-making and respect
- Collaborate creatively on possible strategies for ensuring the most important needs of all parties are met in a mutually agreeable way.
- Affirm an agreement. Address any misunderstandings, and discuss a process for handling the problem in the future, if necessary.
- Document the agreement, providing all parties with a copy. You can use this approach to help a worker with compromised concentration, perception or memory.
Review the four steps to needs-based problem-solving next time you are required to address a conflict or other problem situation. Remember to ICAD:
Identify needs
Collaborate creatively
Affirm an agreement
Document the agreement
Find more activities like this at Team building activities.