Team Problem-Solving with Kolbe Strengths™

You will always solve problems with instinctive energy.

Problem solving requires instinct because it requires action. The most effective way to solve a problem is by using the four methods of creative problem solving that are your instinctive strengths.

You use these methods to initiate solutions, to prevent actions that might make the problem worse or which started the problem in the first place, and to respond to the very nature of the problem.

© 1987-2017 Kathy Kolbe and Kolbe Corp. All rights reserved.

Use the following questions to “kick-start” your problem-solving abilities according to your M.O.:

Be sure to explain each operating zone in a prescriptive sense:

• CounterAction is the need to avoid or prevent

• ReAction is the need to respond or accommodate

• Initiation is the need to Initiate Action.

If you Initiate (7-10 index score) in:

Fact Finder

• Begin by asking: What are the pros and cons? What are the most important Dos and Don’ts? What are the known facts? Where can you go for expertise? What’s the top priority? What’s the greatest error you could make? What does research show?
  

Follow Thru

• Begin by asking: What’s the worst-case scenario? What are the time frames? What has to be done before you can feel you have finished? How does this fit into the big picture? How can you integrate the solution into what is already happening? What would be most efficient? Is this consistent with other goals? Does it fit the budget? Can I make a check list and do one thing at a time?
  

Quick Start

• Begin by asking: How many different ways are there to do it? What is the bottom line? How can you do it differently than you have ever done it before? What will happen if I experiment? What’s your guess or “guesstimate?” What hunch should I try playing? What will get people’s attention?
  

Implementor

• Begin by asking: Do I have the right tools? Are there other materials that would help? What’s going to make this a long-lasting solution? Can I build in better quality? What can I do to show somebody how this works? How can I keep this from breaking? What can I do to demonstrate how this works? How can I protect this from harm? How would I transport this safely?

If you ReAct (4-6 index score) in:

Anyone who ReActs in any one mode has the gift of seeing both sides of a Mode. If you have a 4-6 index score in any Mode, then you are a Facilitator in that Mode. You can identify the nature of the problem to determine which Mode you or others’ talents will respond in to solve the problem. In this situation, you will use “a little of this and that” and will mix and match.

• Begin by asking: How can I, or others, help both sides (of Initiate and CounterAct ) in such Mode(s) arrive to a collaborative consenus that is a win-win for all? What questions, processes, ideas or tangibles can I provide to explain, modify, refine or restore a collaboative solution? How can I help one side see the other in otherwise perceived conflict? How might I quietly or boldly provide solutions that I have created by listening to everyone or involving others that lead to a solution?

The Kolbe Natural Advantage of a Mediator ReActs (4-6 index scores) in at least three Modes, with no Initiation in any one mode.

A Mediator responds to a problem, offers solutions and is the last one to create a problem.

A Mediator responds depending on how the problem presents itself, determining whether the problem requires Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quick Start or Implementor.

If you CounterAct (1-3 index score) in:

Fact Finder

• Begin by asking: How can we cut through the confusion? How can we avoid the particulars? Is there a way to summarize? What’s the overview? In general terms, what are the issues? Can I highlight the key points?

Follow Thru

• Begin by asking: Can I try coming at it a different way? Can I try a different path? What is the shortest route? How can I take shortcuts? What can I skip and still get it done? Is there a point where I can move on and leave the rest to someone else? Can I do something else and come back to it?

Quick Start

• Begin by asking: Am I trying to do too many things at once? Am I biting off too many things to chew? Am I trying to do it too fast? What would happen if I waited until later? Will the solution be easier if I eliminate some of the variables? Is this too bizarre? Will my solution cause turmoil? Is this too risky? Might we win the battle and lose the war?

Implementor

• Begin by asking: Do we need to go to the trouble to build it? Can we just get the idea without seeing it in person? Can we do it by phone? What would happen if we did it with less expensive materials? So what if it only lasts a little while? Does it have to be just perfect? Would it work to “gerry-rig” a solution? Does it have to fit together just so?

• In describing the Implementor mode, explain that the term is used because it is through the Implementor mode that you use implements or tools to your advantage. This is your kinetic sense or mechanical ability, which is why people who Initiate in this mode are good craftsmen, artisans, athletes, or surgeons. Each of these requires adeptness with implements.

CounterActions are not negatives or weaknesses. They are, in fact, important to the wholeness of the person. They are natural inhibitors that keep us focused so we don't dissipate our energy. Ignoring this need causes us to limit our productivity.

The Kolbe Index does not indicate preference or how much you would like to do something. For instance, many a CounterActing Follow Thru would love to be more organized. A CounterActing Quick Start might wish to take more risks.

© 2008-2017 Kathy Kolbe and Kolbe Corp. All rights reserved.