Involving Your Team in Problem Solving: A Key to Overcoming Business Challenges

Running a business is an ever-changing journey, filled with periods of growth and moments that challenge even the most resilient leaders. When facing a downturn, one of the most powerful resources at your disposal is your team. At Glassical Designs, with over 40 years of experience navigating various business climates, we’ve seen firsthand how team problem-solving can uncover innovative solutions and foster a culture of collaboration and resilience.

Why Involvement Matters

Your staff are the heart of your company—their collective knowledge, creativity, and diverse perspectives can be invaluable during challenging times. By involving them in the process of identifying and addressing issues, you not only gain access to fresh ideas but also instill a sense of ownership and shared commitment to overcoming obstacles.

Key Benefits of Engaging Your Team

1. Diverse Perspectives: Each team member brings unique insights based on their role and experiences. These varied viewpoints can help identify problems that might otherwise go unnoticed and spark creative solutions.
2. Increased Morale and Engagement: When employees feel that their input is valued, they become more invested in the company’s success. This boosts morale and fosters a sense of unity, even during tough times.
3. Faster Implementation of Solutions: Involving the team in the brainstorming process often leads to solutions that are more practical and easier to implement. Employees are more likely to support and execute ideas they helped create.

Steps to Effective Team Problem Solving

1. Create a Transparent Environment: Share the challenges the company is facing. Transparency builds trust and helps employees understand the stakes.
2. Encourage Open Dialogue: Hold brainstorming sessions where every idea is welcomed, regardless of rank or department. This openness can lead to innovative solutions that might not arise otherwise.
3. Assign Roles and Responsibilities: Once solutions are identified, assign clear roles to ensure accountability and focus during implementation.
4. Celebrate Wins Together: Acknowledge and celebrate progress, whether it’s small milestones or major breakthroughs. Recognition reinforces the importance of teamwork and the value of each contribution.

Real-World Example: Collaboration at Glassical Designs

During the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Glassical Designs launched Toaste Shop, a division that introduced new products to adapt to shifting market demands. This pivot was possible because we involved our team in brainstorming and implementing solutions. From designing innovative products to exploring new markets, every department contributed, and the result was a stronger, more diversified business model. To highlight specific contributions: During the pandemic, our Sales Manager at the time, Jackie Batson, displayed an extraordinary entrepreneurial mindset. When CEO Nora LaMar brainstormed with her about alternative revenue streams, Jackie quickly transitioned into creative problem-solving mode. While others hesitated to explore unfamiliar industries, Jackie took immediate action and conceptualized Toaste Shop, a division that introduced personalized acrylic gift options.

Not only did she spearhead this innovative campaign, but Jackie also built a website and established our presence on Etsy, where we continue to experience remarkable success. Her proactive leadership and determination turned a challenging period into an opportunity for growth.

Out of adversity emerged a resilient spirit—a spirit that thrives at Glassical Designs to this day.

Building a Resilient Future Together

A downturn is never easy, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and innovation. By leveraging the collective strengths of your team, you not only find solutions to current challenges but also build a stronger, more resilient company culture. At Glassical Designs, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where collaboration thrives, enabling us to continue delivering exceptional awards that celebrate success and achievement.

Let’s move forward together—because the best solutions are born from teamwork.