subject: Team Leaders as Problem Solver [print this page] The team leader is a resource for helping member solve problems, both of a technical and an interpersonal nature. A members run into roadblocks of one sort or another as they do their work, the team leader is a person to whom they can turn to figure out how to deal with team. Being a resource to solve problems doesnt mean the leader is supposed to solve all team problems as they arise. When that happens, team members will depend on the leader rather than on the team as a whole to solve problems. The idea of being a resource to the team is important in considering this responsibility of the leader. However, this does not mean the leader simply give people the answer. Rather it means helping individuals and the team as a whole solve problems for themselves. Some problems a team might confront included the following. - A process breakdown where something happens that members dont anticipate. : The team leader can call a meeting, explain the problem, and lead a brainstorming session to elicit ways to fix the breakdown. - A single team member is stuck on some task. : The team leader can ask questions that will lead the members to consider the issues more fully. Or the leader might get others involved to help. Or the leader might share personal experience in similar circumstances that this member can use. In each case, the leader doesnt necessarily solve the problem, but provides direction so the member can solve it. - A disagreement emerges between two team members that hinder their cooperation. : The leader can use a variety of approaches to help the members get their disagreement into the open and resolved. Its important that team members consider the leader to be a fair and imperial mediator of interpersonal problems, whose focus is on members cooperating to achieve goals. Otherwise, the team leader will not have the respect necessary to help members resolve a personal disagreement.
