Solving problems in a team can be highly effective for continuous improvement and to gain employee participation. But it can be very de-motivating if people come up with great solutions and nothing changes.

It is crucial that as part of your plan you measure progress to see if the planned solution is working. If it is you celebrate and measure again until you know the problem is solved. Everyone will feel a sense of accomplishment for having contributed to the improvement.

If the measurement shows that things aren’t working as planned you need to adjust or hold another problem-solving session to find out the cause.