9-2  Problem: a discrepancy between the current state – what actually is happening – and a desired goal – what should be happening  Undesirable situation  Desired situation  Obstacles to change  Problem solving: everything a group uses to move from its current state to the desired goal

9-3  Decision-making: the act of choosing among available alternatives  Area of freedom: the amount of authority and limitations the group has

9-4  Task difficulty  Number of possible solutions  Group interest in solving problem  Member knowledge of problem  Level of acceptance of solution

9-5  Central question of the problem facing the group  Avoid either-or questions  Word question concretely  Avoid suggesting answer

9-6  Step 1 – Describe the Problem  Step 2 – Generate Solutions  Step 3 – Evaluate Solutions  Step 4 – Decision Making  Step 5 – Decision Implementing

9-7 Describing the Problem  Understand the charge (assignment)  State question clearly  Look at problem before discussing solutions  Make outline & schedule  Summarize problem  Spotlight key issues

9-8 Generate Solutions  Avoid “group communication flaw” (closing down discussion too soon)  ALL members must be active participants

9-9 Evaluate Solutions  Create criteria (standards & guidelines) for evaluation  Narrow list of solutions  Combine similar ideas  Allow each member to vote on top 3  Chart pros & cons  Use technology to help if available

9-10 Choose Best Solution  Stages of decision-making  Orientation stage  Conflict stage  Decision emergence stage  Reinforcement stage

9-11 Choose Best Solution, 2  Methods of decision-making  By group leader  By consultation  Voting  Consensus  Test solution using RISK  Identify risks or problems  Post evaluations on chart  Circulate master list of risks to members  Discuss list; retain serious problems

9-12 Implement a Solution  Questions to ask:  Who will do what, when, & how?  How will we write & present report?  How to word motion, and who speaks in favor?  What follow-up will we conduct?

9-13 Implement a Solution, 2  Program Evaluation & Review (PERT)  Describe fully implemented solution  List what must happen before goal achieved  Develop flow diagram of procedure & steps  List all needed activities, materials, people  Estimate time needed to accomplish each step  Compare estimated time with deadline  Determine who is responsible for what