© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Problem Solving For Employees

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Session Objectives Recognize the importance of problem solving Understand the positive impact of input Identify problem-solving steps Use effective problem-solving techniques

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Prequiz: How Much Do You Know? You should be able solve all work problems on your own. You can’t begin to solve a problem until you’ve clearly defined it. Once you’ve decided on a solution and implemented it, the problem-solving process is complete. Drawing a picture of a problem can sometimes help you solve it.

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Problem— n. an obstacle to achieving goals; a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution. Got Problems? © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408

If it doesn’t have a solution, it isn’t a problem. Find a Solution! © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408

TALK Your Way to a Solution ap sk ook eep a list T A L K

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 NEW IDEAS POSSIBILITIES SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATIONS The Impact of Input

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Know the Limits of Your Problem-Solving Authority Report problems Review solutions Provide feedback

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources Generate ideas Pick best solution Double check 6 Steps to More Effective Problem Solving Define Prioritize Inform yourself

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Problem-Solving Process Do you understand: Importance of problem solving? Where to look for help? Steps in the problem- solving process?

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Connect the numbers using four continuous lines Can You Solve This Problem?

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Connect the dots using only three continuous lines How About This Problem?

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Question #1 Answer #1 Question #2 Answer #2 Question #3 Answer #3 Question #4 Answer #4 Question #5 Answer #5 Ask Why 5 Times © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408

Problem Reversal Flip the question Opposite thinking Start with a solution

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Visual Approaches

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 More Helpful Techniques Analogy Reframe Break down Simplest solution Sleep on it Take a walk

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Assumptions Rushing Fear of Mistakes FEAR OF MISTAKES ASSUMPTIONS Roadblocks to Successful Problem Solving RUSHING

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Being too logical Denial Lack of confidence Giving up Roadblocks to Successful Problem Solving (cont.) GIVING UP DENIAL LACK OF CONFIDENCE BEING TOO LOGICAL

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Solving Recurring Problems What’s the real problem? How often does it occur? When does it occur? How bad is it? Use this template to solve recurring problems

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Solving Recurring Problems (cont.) Where does it occur? Who is involved? What information have you got? What additional/alternative steps must you take?

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Review Focus attention and observe with an open mind Identify the real problem EXamine the details Invent a solution Test your solution

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 PROBLEM: How would you get the pear in the bottle? Put the Pear in the Bottle ?

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 SOLUTION: Grow the pear in the bottle! Put the Pear in the Bottle (cont.)

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Problem-Solving Techniques Do you understand: Problem-solving techniques? Roadblocks to successful problem solving? How to solve recurring problems?

© BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Key Points to Remember Problem solving is an important part of your job. The skill with which you solve problems has a direct impact on your effectiveness on the job and your career success. Be sure to take advantage of input from others to help you solve problems. By taking a step-by-step approach and applying a variety of techniques, you can solve any problem.