Most teams don’t fail because they can’t solve problems. They fail because they solve the wrong ones. We chase symptoms. We fix what’s loud. We jump to action because sitting in the unknown feels uncomfortable. Here are three tests I use to make sure I solve the right problem every time.

Do what you say you will. It sounds basic. But it's the biggest complaint people have when collaborating with others. That people let them down. Neuroscience research shows that consistency calms the brain’s threat detection system (amygdala). And that’s essential for high performing collaboration.

Collaboration works when we turn in, not out. When tension shows up, and it always does when we try and solve challenging problems, most people turn out. Blame the system. Blame the customer. Blame each other. It feels safer. But turning out erodes trust. Turning in builds trust.

Collaboration isn’t about avoiding disagreement. It’s about knowing how to disagree. The #1 rule when challenging someone: Make it about the idea, not the person. When people feel attacked, they defend. When people feel invited, they engage.