Teamwork and Decision Making – how to consider all options as a team to make effective decisions and solve problems.

As a team of professional support workers, you will be faced with challenges on a regular basis, and the measure of an outstanding team is how they can collaborate, share insights, manage conflict and make effective decisions that benefit all and reduce risk.

There is a proven researched method to contribute to this process, one which was developed by doctor and psychologist, Edward De Bono,

He studied various teams, using the trusted theory that if diverse individuals followed key steps in unpacking problems or discussing conflicts which they had experienced, looking at the issues from all angles and working together cohesively, then they are more likely to achieve greater outcomes and would work well together.

Overall, the “6 thinking hats” method improves the quality and efficiency of our decisions by untangling issues in a systematic way, ensuring that all elements are discussed, explored, and integrated into effective decision making.

‘Healthy’ debate is a key component as this can separate the emotional elements giving way to discussion, the potential to disagree respectfully and ensuring everyone in the team has an opportunity to voice their opinions. 

This model strives to remove artificial harmony which may exist within a team, challenging the status quo whilst exploring creative and innovative ways to improve the current situation, or approach a new challenge in a different way.This model is called ‘De Bono 6 thinking hats’ and is portrayed in a simple, colourful way making it easy to understand and more importantly, apply.

Guest Blogger: Ursy Murray