DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES ENABLE CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
Wicked problems require thinking “ outside of the box ”. By encouraging collaboration among team members from different departments , backgrounds and areas of expertise , businesses can bring together a variety of viewpoints . This diversity leads to more comprehensive solutions that consider the problem from multiple angles . For example , while a finance department might focus on a project ’ s budgetary constraints , the marketing team may identify new opportunities to leverage media platforms that others had not considered .
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAMS ENHANCE AGILITY
Wicked problems often evolve over time , requiring agile solutions that can adapt to changing circumstances . Cross-functional teams , composed of members from various areas of expertise , can respond more effectively to these shifts . In this type of collaborative environment , teams are better equipped to change quickly and resolve new challenges as they emerge .
INNOVATION THRIVES IN COLLABORATIVE CULTURES
The most innovative ideas tend to emerge in environments where collaboration is encouraged . Wicked problems do not yield to conventional thinking and often the best way to tackle them is by creating a culture that values experimentation , open communication and collective problem-solving . In workplaces where collaboration is prioritised , teams feel empowered to share their ideas freely , leading to breakthroughs that would not happen in more siloed environments .
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FUELS MOTIVATION
Wicked problems often come with uncertainty and risk , which can be daunting for individuals to face alone . Collaboration helps distribute the weight of these challenges , creating a shared sense of responsibility . When teams collaborate , they develop a collective ownership of the problem and its solution , which in turn drives motivation . Working together to solve a wicked problem also builds a sense of camaraderie and trust , which can enhance long-term team performance .
At PPS , we operate in a very competitive industry and we are all too familiar with “ wicked problems ”. That is why one of our company values is “ being eternally curious ”. We encourage our employees to innovate and seek new solutions to challenges . When it comes to collaboration , our ethos of mutuality emphasises the power of shared success . We believe that when we work together , pooling our diverse skills and perspectives , we are not just solving problems for today but building a stronger future for all our members . Through collaboration , we turn complex challenges into opportunities for growth , creating outcomes that benefit everyone – because at PPS , success is better , shared .
Masenyane Molefe
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