Team Problem-Solving with Kolbe Strengths™

Jul 19

You 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, prevent actions that might exacerbate the problem or that contributed to its initial occurrence, and 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 details? What’s the top priority? What’s the greatest error you could make? Where is there more research to support the conclusion? What are the best scenarios?

Follow Thru

Begin by asking: What’s the worst-case scenario? What are the time frames? What must be done before you can feel that you have finished? How does this fit into the big picture? How can you integrate the solution into existing processes? What would be most efficient? Is this consistent with other goals? Does it fit the budget? Can I create a checklist and work on 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 any other materials that would be helpful? 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?
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 tend to excel as craftsmen, artisans, athletes, or surgeons. Each of these requires adeptness with implements.

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 your or others’ talents will respond 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 at a collaborative consensus that is a win-win for all? What questions, processes, ideas, or tangibles can I provide to explain, modify, refine, or restore a collaborative 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? What is the summary? What’s the overview? In general terms, what are the issues? Can the team highlight the key points?

Follow Thru

Begin by asking: Can I approach it from a different angle? 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 taking on too many things to handle? 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 of building it? Can we imagine without seeing it in person? Can we do it by phone? What would happen if we used 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? What are we conceptually trying to build?

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, preventing us from dissipating our energy. Failing to address this need limits our productivity.

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

Kolbe

Shelley Moore