Sometimes, it is not enough to just cope with the problems – they need to be solved. Show
Most people engage in problem solving every day. It occurs automatically for many of the small decisions that need to be made on a daily basis. For example, when making a decision about whether to get up now or sleep in for an extra 10 minutes, the possible choices and the relative risks and benefits of obeying the alarm clock or sleeping later come automatically to mind. Larger problems are addressed in a similar way. For example: “I have tasks that need to be done by the end of the week. How am I going to get them all done on time?” After considering the possible strategies, 1 is chosen and implemented. If it proves to be ineffective, a different strategy is tried. People who can define problems, consider options, make choices, and implement a plan have all the basic skills required for effective problem solving. Sometimes following a step-by-step procedure for defining problems, generating solutions, and implementing solutions can make the process of problem solving seem less overwhelming. Six step guide to help you solve problemsStep 1: Identify and define the problem
Step 2: Generate possible solutions
Step 3: Evaluate alternatives
Step 4: Decide on a solution
Step 5: Implement the solution
Step 6: Evaluate the outcome
Problem solving is something we do every day. Some problems are small or easily solved - others are more complicated and can seem overwhelming. One way of tackling problems is to use a specific and systematic problem solving procedure. If you’ve tried to solve certain problems without much success, try these steps out and see if they help. Learning to solve problems effectively will help you to minimise the level of stress in your life and improve your overall sense of well-being. Try it out and see. Remember
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Problem-solving and decision-making. Ask anyone in the workplace if these activities are part of their day and they answer ‘Yes!’ But how many of us have had training in problem-solving? We know it’s a critical element of our work, but do we know how to do it effectively? People tend to do three things when faced with a problem: they get afraid or uncomfortable and wish it would go away; they feel that they have to come up with an answer and it has to be the right answer; and they look for someone to blame. Being faced with a problem becomes a problem. And that’s a problem because, in fact, there are always going to be problems! There are two reasons why we tend to see a problem as a problem: it has to be solved and we’re not sure how to find the best solution, and there will probably be conflicts about what the best solution is. Most of us tend to be “conflict-averse”. We don’t feel comfortable dealing with conflict and we tend to have the feeling that something bad is going to happen. The goal of a good problem-solving process is to make us and our organization more “conflict-friendly” and “conflict-competent”. There are two important things to remember about problems and conflicts: they happen all the time and they are opportunities to improve the system and the relationships. They are actually providing us with information that we can use to fix what needs fixing and do a better job. Looked at in this way, we can almost begin to welcome problems! (Well, almost.) Because people are born problem solvers, the biggest challenge is to overcome the tendency to immediately come up with a solution. Let me say that again. The most common mistake in problem solving is trying to find a solution right away. That’s a mistake because it tries to put the solution at the beginning of the process, when what we need is a solution at the end of the process. Here are seven-steps for an effective problem-solving process. 1. Identify the issues.
2. Understand everyone’s interests.
3. List the possible solutions (options)
4. Evaluate the options.
5. Select an option or options.
6. Document the agreement(s).
7. Agree on contingencies, monitoring, and evaluation.
Effective problem solving does take some time and attention more of the latter than the former. But less time and attention than is required by a problem not well solved. What it really takes is a willingness to slow down. A problem is like a curve in the road. Take it right and you’ll find yourself in good shape for the straightaway that follows. Take it too fast and you may not be in as good shape. Working through this process is not always a strictly linear exercise. You may have to cycle back to an earlier step. For example, if you’re having trouble selecting an option, you may have to go back to thinking about the interests. This process can be used in a large group, between two people, or by one person who is faced with a difficult decision. The more difficult and important the problem, the more helpful and necessary it is to use a disciplined process. If you’re just trying to decide where to go out for lunch, you probably don’t need to go through these seven steps! Don’t worry if it feels a bit unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first. You’ll have lots of opportunities to practice!
Tim HicksTim Hicks is a conflict management professional providing mediation, facilitation, training, coaching, and consulting to individuals and organizations. From 2006 to 2014 he led the Master’s degree program in Conflict and Dispute Resolution at the University of Oregon as its first director. He returned to private practice in 2015. Tim is… MORE > What is the second step in problem solving?8-Step Problem Solving Process. Step 1: Define the Problem. What is the problem? ... . Step 2: Clarify the Problem. ... . Step 3: Define the Goals. ... . Step 4: Identify Root Cause of the Problem. ... . Step 5: Develop Action Plan. ... . Step 6: Execute Action Plan. ... . Step 7: Evaluate the Results. ... . Step 8: Continuously Improve.. What are the six basic steps of the problem solving process?Six step guide to help you solve problems. Step 1: Identify and define the problem. State the problem as clearly as possible. ... . Step 2: Generate possible solutions. ... . Step 3: Evaluate alternatives. ... . Step 4: Decide on a solution. ... . Step 5: Implement the solution. ... . Step 6: Evaluate the outcome.. What is the third step in the problem solving process?Step Three: Develop Alternative Solutions
Analytical, creative problem solving is about creating a variety of solutions, not just one.
Which are three of the five major steps in problem solving?5 Steps to Better Problem-Solving. Step 1: Identify the Problem.. Step 2: Generate potential solutions.. Step 3: Choose one solution.. Step 4: Implement the solution you've chosen.. Step 5: Evaluate results.. Next Steps.. |