1. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING, AN EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
Presented By Columbus Area
Labor-Management Committee
Jim Cowles, Executive Director
Meredith Porterfield, Program Manager

2. TRADITIONAL PROBLEM SOLVING
Most traditional problem solving processes
can be:
Positional
Power based
Adversarial
Time consuming
Focus on one particular solution

3. THERE HAS GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY!
We want to focus on a problem solving process that:
Actually solves problems without placing blame
Focuses on the system
Mutually beneficial
Everybody works together to help each other
Develops the relationship

4. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Based on the techniques of Interest Based Bargaining
Different adaptations and names
Applicable to any type of setting in addition to labor negotiations
Focuses on solving the problem, not positions and personalities

5. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Not an easy process
Requires trust, honesty
Need to share information, can be revealing about thoughts and concerns
Has very specific steps that must be followed in order

6. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Need to follow good brainstorming guidelines, make decisions by consensus
Learning curve
Best to have assistance as you learn the process
Will need a flip chart or portable white board

7. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING - The STEPS
Brainstorm and record a list of problems
For each problem identify and record the separate interests of the parties involved
Identify shared interests
Brainstorm and record a list of possible options to resolve the problem

8. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING - The STEPS
Develop and record a list of standards
Judge options to standards
Come to consensus on a solution

9. What are INTERESTS?
Concerns
Wants
Needs
Desires
Fears

10. What are INTERESTS?
Basic needs (security, economic, sense of well being, recognition, control over one’s life) are what drives our interests.
They tell us why solving the problem is important

11. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 1 - Problems or Issues
With any problem, there are other problems or issues associated with it.
Make sure you identify problems, not symptoms.

12. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 2 – Identify Interests
Brainstorm each side’s interests. Develop a long list of interests.
Step 3 – Identify Mutual Interests
Circle the mutual or shared interests. There will be many mutual interests – more than you think.
Step 4 – Identify Options or Solutions
Develop options, or solutions, based on those mutual interests.

13. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 4, Options or Solutions (cont.):
Usually more than one solution for a problem
Don’t stop on what you think is the one right answer.

14. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 4, Options or Solutions (cont.):
Follow good brainstorming guidelines, the more ideas the better.
Do not evaluate ideas at this point.
Be careful not to discuss and debate ideas. – There will be time for discussion later.

15. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 5, Standards
We use standards or criteria to make decisions all the time but don’t think about.
Standards need to be specific, measurable and objective.

16. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 5, Standards
Three standards that can be used with most problems:
Workable
Mutually beneficial
Cost effective

17. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 5, Standards
Brainstorm and record a list of standards
Try to have no more than five significant standards
Once standards are identified, LETTER each standard

18. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 6, Judge Standards to Options
Compare each of the standards to the options or solutions identified in Step 4.
When an option meets a standard, write the letter of the standard
If the option meets all the standards, keep it. If it does not, strike or cross out the option.
Do this with all options.

19. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 7, Come to Consensus on a Solution
There will probably be more than one solution that meets the standards.
Options can be prioritized, combined, or used as pilot, etc. – whatever the group decides – to become the solution.

20. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Other Thoughts on the Interest-Based Process:
Start with a small problem, work up to harder problems as comfort with the process increases.
Have steps in front of group and go through each step.

21. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Other Thoughts on the Interest-Based Process: (cont.)
Will be a slow process at first but after using it a few times, speed will pick up.
Don’t get positional or revert to other traditional behaviors.
Absolutely important to use a flip chart or something to record ideas so that everybody can see them.

22. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Other Thoughts on the Interest-Based Process: (cont.)
Works well with other problem-solving processes.
Get outside assistance.

23. INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
For more information or assistance with problem solving, contact: Columbus Area Labor-Management Committee