Challenges

A number of challenges have been identified that can be a barrier in the problem-solving processes that arise in collaborations.

• Not involving all the ‘right’ people
• Not having a strategy to deal with conflicts or disagreements

One of the challenges of problem solving is not involving all the ‘right’ people. This can result in missing key elements of the issue and leaving out some individuals or influences. Ultimately, this could negatively affect implementation of specific strategies being carried out in the collaboration.

One primary care social worker explained the following: “In our collaboration, we try to involve individuals who are informed, who know the important details, who are necessary to help us problem solve so that we can go on to make the right decision. We try to include the ones who will support and contribute in a positive way. It is a real challenge sometimes:  It is not always possible but when you have the choice, it really helps when you select carefully.” 

Conflict is inevitable
Not having a strategy to deal with conflicts or disagreements before they occur can be a challenge. Having a strategy for conflict resolution is advisable. This can be a formal process that is included in a memorandum of understanding or more informal – a process that is described in minutes from a collaboration meeting.

One Public Health Nurse explained “People are not objects …”

Problem-solving at the interpersonal level requires strategies that address the interpersonal challenges.