1. Work Readiness Program Problem Solving & Decision Making

2. Objectives Describe the steps in successful decision making Describe the steps in successful decision making Outline a problem-solving strategy Outline a problem-solving strategy Demonstrate setting a work-related goal Demonstrate setting a work-related goal

3. Decision Making Decision making is a critical skill in work and life Decision making is a critical skill in work and life Event + Response = Outcome Event + Response = Outcome We are 100% responsible for our own lives We are 100% responsible for our own lives

4. Personal Responsibility We control our responses to any circumstances We control our responses to any circumstances Life Areas Life Areas Areas of Control Areas of Influence Areas of Interest

5. Decision-Making Techniques Hopeful Method Hopeful Method Safe Method Safe Method Go-For-It Method Go-For-It Method Whatever You Say Method Whatever You Say Method Overanalyzing Method Overanalyzing Method Feeling Method Feeling Method Non-Deciding Method Non-Deciding Method Planning Method Planning Method

6. Decision-Making Process Identify the Purpose of Your Decision Identify the Purpose of Your Decision Gather Information Gather Information Identify the Principles to Judge the Alternatives Identify the Principles to Judge the Alternatives Brainstorm and List Possible Choices Brainstorm and List Possible Choices

7. Decision-Making Process Evaluate Each Choice in Terms of its Consequences Evaluate Each Choice in Terms of its Consequences Determine the Best Alternative Determine the Best Alternative Put the Decision into Action Put the Decision into Action Evaluate the Outcomes of the Decision Evaluate the Outcomes of the Decision

8. Problem Solving Identify and Define the Problem Identify and Define the Problem Gather Information About the Problem Gather Information About the Problem Develop Alternative Ways to Resolve the Problem Develop Alternative Ways to Resolve the Problem

9. Problem Solving Evaluate the Possible Solutions Evaluate the Possible Solutions Select the Best Solution Select the Best Solution Implement the Solution and Monitor the Action Steps Implement the Solution and Monitor the Action Steps Verify that the Problem is Resolved Verify that the Problem is Resolved

10. Goal Setting Goals are the Objectives that a person or organization intends to attain. Goals are the Objectives that a person or organization intends to attain. Goals are a Road Map – The End Result of Achievement of a Process Goals are a Road Map – The End Result of Achievement of a Process Goals Must be Based on Our VALUES Goals Must be Based on Our VALUES

11. Goal Setting SMART SMART S – Specific S – Specific M – Measurable M – Measurable A – Attainable A – Attainable R – Relevant R – Relevant T - Timely T - Timely

12. Goal Setting Write Your Goals Down on Paper Write Your Goals Down on Paper Share Your Goals with Other People Share Your Goals with Other People Create a List of Benefits of the Goal Create a List of Benefits of the Goal Eliminate Doubts & Fears by Using Affirmations Eliminate Doubts & Fears by Using Affirmations Overcome Temporary Failure Overcome Temporary Failure Take 100% Responsibility Take 100% Responsibility

13. Disclaimer This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.