Someone once had the bright idea that anyone who brings a problem to the table must also bring a solution. The conventional wisdom was that it would focus people on solutions and avoids a gripe session, but the reality is this concept will shut your team down.
If you require a solution to every challenge, you risk never hearing the questions or finding the opportunity in the challenge. Stop requiring solutions; instead invite people to bring their concerns and their goals to you. When planning your next team meeting agenda, keep it simple; say, “Tell me where you are now and where you’d like to be. As a team, we’ll brainstorm the possibilities together.”
This team brainstorming strategy is a game changer… try it and see for yourself.