The ability to solve problems quickly and effectively is a crucial skill for any team. One powerful tool that can help teams improve their problem-solving capabilities is the Basadur Profile. This method identifies different problem-solving styles and how they can work together to boost team performance. In this post, I’ll give a rundown of the concept of Basadur Profiles and explore how understanding these profiles can benefit your team.

What is the Basadur Problem Solving Process?

The Basadur Problem Solving Process is a framework that starts by categorising individuals into four different quadrants based on their problem-solving preferences. These quadrants are:

1. Generator: These individuals are idea creators. They thrive on brainstorming and coming up with numerous possibilities. Generators are great at identifying new opportunities and initiating projects.

2. Conceptualiser: Conceptualisers take the ideas generated by Generators and develop them further. They are skilled at analysing information, identifying patterns, and forming coherent plans.

3. Optimiser: Optimisers focus on refining and improving ideas. They are detail-oriented and excel at organising and structuring concepts to make them practical and implementable.

4. Implementer: Implementers are action-oriented. They take the refined ideas and put them into practice. Implementers are essential for driving projects forward and ensuring that plans are executed efficiently.

It then structures the problem-solving process into eight steps organised into three main phases:

Problem Formulation Phase

1. Problem Finding: Actively look for problems or opportunities for improvement, even when things seem to be running smoothly. Proactively identify potential issues.

2. Fact Finding: Gather relevant information about the identified problem, such as contributing factors, parties involved, and previous attempts to solve it.

3. Problem Definition: Clearly define the problem based on the facts gathered, establishing specific boundaries to stay focused on the main issues.

Solution Formulation Phase

1. Idea Finding: Brainstorm a large number of potential solutions to the defined problem, considering diverse perspectives and encouraging creative thinking.

2. Evaluation and Selection: Establish criteria for a good solution and evaluate the generated ideas against those criteria to select the most promising ones.

Solution Implementation Phase

1. Planning: Develop a detailed action plan outlining who will do what, when, and how to implement the chosen solution.

2. Gaining Acceptance: Communicate the solution and plan to stakeholders, addressing potential resistance and making necessary adjustments to gain acceptance.

3. Taking Action: Implement the solution according to the plan.

The Basadur process is intended to be cyclical. After implementing a solution, you should return to the first step to identify new problems or opportunities for further improvement, treating problem-solving as a continuous process.

Benefits of Team Profiling with Basadur

Understanding the different problem-solving styles within your team can bring a number of benefits. One of the biggest for me was the understanding that people see things differently. Some (e.g., Generators) are energised by the thought of what could be. Others (e.g., Implementers) are terrified by half-baked ideas and can be quick to shoot them down. Being able to recognise these different tendencies was a massive help in navigating team dynamics.

Here are a few other advantages:

1. Enhanced Collaboration: Knowing each team member's profile helps in assigning tasks that align with their strengths. This leads to better collaboration and a more cohesive team effort.

2. Improved Creativity: By leveraging the strengths of Generators and Conceptualisers, teams can foster a more creative environment where innovative ideas are regularly generated and developed.

3. Efficient Execution: Optimisers and Implementers ensure that ideas are not just theoretical but are also practical and actionable. This balance helps in moving projects from the planning stage to successful implementation.

4. Balanced Workload: Profiling helps distribute tasks according to individual strengths, reducing the likelihood of burnout and increasing job satisfaction. Team members are more engaged and motivated when they work on tasks that suit their skills.

Applying Basadur Profiles in Your Team

To implement Basadur Profiles in your team, start by assessing each team member's problem-solving style. The Basadur website has a PAYG team assessment option available that can help you determine where each person fits within the Basadur framework. Once you have identified the profiles, consider the following steps:

1. Problem Solving Sessions: Timebox your problem-solving process. Allow equal amounts for each of the four stages. For example, let Generators lead brainstorming sessions, have Conceptualisers develop detailed plans, assign Optimisers to refine these plans, and let Implementers drive the execution.

2. Team Composition: Ensure a balanced mix of all four profiles in your team. This diversity will enhance overall team performance and ensure that all aspects of problem-solving are covered.

3. Training and Development: Provide training to help team members understand their own profiles and the profiles of their colleagues. This awareness fosters mutual respect and better communication.

Conclusion

In my experience, understanding and leveraging Basadur Profiles and the Basadur Problem Solving Process significantly enhanced our team's problem-solving abilities and overall performance. By recognising the unique strengths each member brought to the table and by working through a structured problem-solving process, we were able to create more collaborative, creative, and efficient approaches to not only problem-solving but also innovation.

This helped us with evolving internal processes as well as in developing better solutions for our clients. This meant we could not only service our clients more efficiently but also provide a higher level of service. Two very significant benefits!

TL;DR Summary

Understanding Basadur Profiles: Categorising team members into four problem-solving styles—Generator, Conceptualiser, Optimiser, and Implementer—enhances collaboration, creativity, and efficient execution.

Structured Problem Solving: The Basadur Problem Solving Process involves eight steps across problem formulation, solution formulation, and solution implementation, creating a continuous improvement cycle.

Team Benefits: Profiling fosters better task alignment, reduces burnout, and improves overall team dynamics and performance, leading to more innovative and efficient problem-solving and service delivery.