Innovative People

Raghu Raman

First of all reach consensus with problem solver in defining / refining the problem as wel as in visualising "How the solution would look like".
Define the form and content of the deliverable and reach an agreement with the problem solver on acceptance criteria.
Convince the problem solver that you are the owner to the problem as well as in getting the solution working. This will create trust and maximum output from the problem solver with least inhibitions.
After comprehending the whole problem, always split the problem into small manageable tasks (Max 5 mandays) and give it to the problem solver.
From the security point of you , have clarity on what is to be revealed on "need to know" basis; if required, take help from the persons responsible for security in your team before releasing problem statemet / data.
To the extent possible, provide a PoC (Proof of Concept) environment to the problem solver, so that the solutions can be tested and you own the responsibility for roll out.
There are tools and gadgets available for effective communication; Use them / extend them to the problem solver (eg; Skype / Webex etc)

Languages Raghu Raman speaks:

English
Tamil