1. Solving Workplace Problems
Section 16.2
Solving Workplace Problems

2. How to generate, compare, and implement solutions
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to identify and solve workplace problems using the problem-solving process
How to generate, compare, and implement solutions
continued

3. How to evaluate the results of your decisions
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to evaluate the results of your decisions

4. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Problem-solving skills will enable you to overcome difficult situations in your personal and professional life.

5. KEY TERMS
brainstorm
analogy
assumptions

6. Problem-Solving Process
Understanding the
Problem-Solving Process
The six steps in the problem-solving process are to:
Identify and clarify the problem.
Generate alternative solutions, using creative thinking and logical reasoning.
continued

7. Problem-Solving Process
Understanding the
Problem-Solving Process
Evaluate the probable consequences of the solutions.
Decide on the best solution.
Implement the solution.
Evaluate the results.

8. Step 1: Identify and Clarify the Problem
Assemble as much accurate information as you can about the problem.
Ask specific questions and stay objective.

9. Step 1: Identify and Clarify the Problem
To brainstorm is to think creatively, without evaluating ideas until later.
Brainstorm as many solutions as possible.

10. Step 1: Identify and Clarify the Problem
Do not evaluate or judge solutions that come from an individual or group brainstorming session.
Keep ideas flowing freely.

11. Step 1: Identify and Clarify the Problem
For a successful brainstorming session, make sure the goal is clear.
In a group session, make sure everyone in the group is included.

12. Alternative Solutions
Step 2: Generate
Alternative Solutions
Coming up with alternative solutions often requires creative thinking.

13. Alternative Solutions
Step 2: Generate
Alternative Solutions
Strategies for creative thinking are to:
Jot down ideas whenever they come to you.
Use spider maps and clustering to associate ideas.
continued

14. Alternative Solutions
Step 2: Generate
Alternative Solutions
Invent a model, picture, or symbol to represent the problem.
continued

15. Alternative Solutions
Step 2: Generate
Alternative Solutions
Use analogies.
An analogy is a comparison of two seemingly dissimilar things. It helps you see things in a new way.

16. Alternative Solutions
Step 2: Generate
Alternative Solutions
Question assumptions.
Assumptions are beliefs a person takes for granted.

17. Step 3: Evaluate the Probable Consequences of the Solutions
List negative and positive consequences of each possible solution.
Which ones best meet your short-term and long-term goals?

18. Step 3: Evaluate the Probable Consequences of the Solutions
Evaluate the probable impact of the solutions on:
you,
your team and department,
your customers or clients, and
your company.

19. Step 4: Decide on the Best Solution
Choose the best solution under the given circumstances.
Few solutions are perfect.

20. Step 4: Decide on the Best Solution
It is normal to feel misgivings after making a decision.
Using the decision-making process allows you to feel confident that you have addressed the matter professionally.

21. Step 4: Decide on the Best Solution
Even though problems may cause distress, most employees enjoy the feeling of success that comes with making a challenging decision.

22. Step 5: Implement the Solution
You may need to explain your solution to coworkers in order to put it into action.
Following the chain of command,
obtain the necessary permission and move ahead.

23. Step 6: Evaluate the Results
To evaluate a solution, look at its benefits and its drawbacks.
If your solution is working, you should be able to cite benefits for yourself, your team or department, and your customers and clients.

24. Step 6: Evaluate the Results
If your solution has drawbacks or if it creates new problems, identify them and correct them.
On-the-job problem solving is a continuous process.

25. Step 6: Evaluate the Results
Ask yourself what you’ve learned from the entire process.
Apply what you’ve learned to prevent similar problems from happening again.

26. The Problem-Solving Process
Graphic Organizer
16.2
The Problem-Solving Process
Evaluate the results.
Implement the solution.
Decide on the best solution.
Evaluate the probable consequences of the solutions.
Generate alternative solutions.
Identify and clarify the problem.
Chapter 16 • Thinking Skills on the Job
Succeeding in the World of Work

27. CAREER CHECKLIST
To Increase Your Efficiency in the Workplace…
Be sure to follow the rules when carrying out procedures—don’t cut corners to save time!
Be innovative when you’re faced with a challenge.
Ask questions when you are uncertain; doing so will save time.
continued

28. CAREER CHECKLIST Prioritize your “to do” list.
To Increase Your Efficiency in the Workplace…
Prioritize your “to do” list.
Don’t procrastinate when it comes to the simple tasks—they’ll build up.
Work with fellow employees to solve problems.

29. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 16.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension
In your own words, describe the six basic steps of problem solving.
continued

30. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 16.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension
In an on-the-job situation, how can you identify good sources of information?
continued

31. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 16.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension
Why is creating alternative solutions better than relying on only one solution?
continued

32. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 16.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension
What do you think are the advantages of group problem solving?
continued

33. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 16.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Comprehension
Describe how you and another person solved a similar problem, and compare the consequences of each solution.
continued

34. Key Concept Checkpoint
SECTION 16.2 REVIEW
Key Concept Checkpoint
Critical Thinking
How can your personality affect your problem-solving and decision-making skills?

35. Solving Workplace Problems
End of Section 16.2
Solving Workplace Problems