Which step should come first when solving problems as a team?

The initial step in solving problems as a team is to brainstorm to define the problems. This stage is crucial as it ensures that all team members have a shared understanding of the issue at hand before any potential solutions are considered. By defining the problem comprehensively, the team can explore various perspectives and gather insights that might not have been initially apparent.

This collaborative brainstorming session allows team members to articulate their viewpoints, clarify misunderstandings, and identify the core issues that need to be addressed. It creates a solid foundation for the subsequent steps in the problem-solving process, such as generating possible solutions, evaluating their feasibility, and ultimately implementing the best approach.

When teams skip this vital first step and jump directly to solutions, they risk addressing symptoms rather than the root cause of the problem, which can lead to ineffective or short-term fixes. Thus, starting with a thorough definition and understanding of the problem is essential for successful problem-solving.