What is one of the manager's goals during joint problem-solving discussions?

During joint problem-solving discussions, one of the manager's key goals is to avoid the impulse to place blame. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where team members feel safe to express their ideas and concerns. By steering clear of blame, the manager encourages open communication and collaboration, making it easier to identify the root causes of issues and generating constructive solutions together. This mindset allows all participants to focus on the problem at hand rather than getting distracted by personal conflicts or defensiveness. In essence, creating a blame-free atmosphere is crucial for effective teamwork and problem resolution.

While eliminating external factors, establishing authority, and providing rationales might seem relevant, they do not prioritize the essential need for open dialogue and collaboration that blaming can hinder. Focusing on a blame-free discussion helps to align team members and drives them toward a common goal of solving the issue.