Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Skills and Problem Solving Chapter 12 1

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 12 2 Skills Thinking Skills: – Reasoning. – Making decisions. – Solving problems. – Thinking creatively. – Knowing how to learn.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 12 3 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – Analyze situations and reach a reasonable conclusion. – Determine what aspects of a situation are most important. – Look at the big picture and combining factual knowledge with creative thinking. – Reach conclusions that go beyond the obvious.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 12 4 – Identify the problem and define it clearly. – Identify the circumstances that affect the problem. – Clearly identify the objectives. – Identify as many potential solutions as possible. – Analyze the potential solutions and strategies. – Implement the strategy that appears to be the best solution. – Evaluate the results and repeat the steps as needed. Step-by-Step Approach to Problem Solving

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Time Management (Self Management) Time Management is a set of skills that helps people to be efficient and productive with their time. By using time management skills, people can reduce their stress and maintain proper perspective on their jobs and lives. Chapter 12 5

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Make appropriate choices about to use your time. Knowing what your goals are and what time is available to you are the cornerstones of good time/self management. Knowing what is new in your environment can help you manage yourself through time. Chapter 12 6

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Planning Tools Weekly and monthly planners and to-do lists can help you chart a path to your goals. Construct a realistic schedule with clear and concrete activities and use long-range deadlines to guide planning. Keeping on top of work from the beginning will save many hours of work and the stress of last minute preparation. Chapter 12 7

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 12 8 How to do this… – Make a list of the tasks you need to do. – Put them in chronological order if necessary. – Prioritize tasks according to their importance. – Group tasks that fit together. – Allow time for the unexpected. – Start immediately on the highest priority task.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Time Management allows you to do the following: 1. Eliminate waste 2. Be prepared 3. Refuse excessive workloads 4. Monitor project progress 5. Allocate resources (time) appropriate to a task’s importance 6. Ensure that long-term projects are not neglected 7. Plan each day efficiently 8. Plan each week effectively 9. And to do so simply with a little self-discipline Chapter 12 9

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Basic Strategies 1. Don’t be a perfectionist 2. Learn to say no 3. Learn to prioritize 4. Set goals 5. Combine activities 6. Be flexible 7. Recognize achievements 8. Reward yourself Chapter 12 10

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter Remember: Take pride in the things you do well and be willing to learn and improve. Do not be defensive.