1. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Problem Solving For Supervisors

2. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Session Objectives Understand the important role problem- solving plays in your job Identify the basic steps in the problem- solving process Apply a variety of effective techniques to solve workplace problems

3. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Prequiz: True or False? Effective supervisors don’t experience workplace problems. It’s not a good idea to involve employees in problem-solving. You should solve problems in the order they arise. Most problems are solved by trial and error.

4. © 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

5. Find a Solution! The biggest problem in the world could have been solved when it was small. —Lao Tzu The Way of Life “ ”

6. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Get Help Ask Tap Build Delegat e

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

8. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Step 1: Identify the Problem Observe Define Stick to facts Ask questions

9. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Can live with consequences Can’t live with consequences Unusual Significant Not urgent Minor Routine Step 2: Prioritize TOP PRIORITY 2ND PRIORITY Urgent

10. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 What you need to know: Details Advice Causes Extent Multiple or related problems Step 3: Gather Information

11. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Step 4: Generate Possible Solutions Brainstorming— n. a group problem- solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group

12. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Congratulations! You’ve got a Step 5: Select an Option CALCULATE CHOOSE TEST MONITOR IMPLEMENT DOCUMENT PRESENT

13. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Evaluate Listen AssessVerify Step 6: Follow Up and Encourage Feedback Anticipate

14. © 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?

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

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

17. © 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

18. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Problem Reversal Flip the question Opposite thinking Start with a solution

19. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Visual Approaches

20. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 More Helpful Techniques 1.Analogy 2.Reframe 3.Break down 4.Simplest solution 5.Sleep on it 6.Take a walk

21. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 FEAR OF MISTAKES ASSUMPTIONS Roadblocks to Successful Problem-Solving RUSHING

22. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Roadblocks to Successful Problem-Solving (cont.) GIVING UP DENIAL LACK OF CONFIDENCE BEING TOO LOGICAL

23. © 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

24. © 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?

25. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Review F ocus attention and observe with an open mind I dentify the real problem eX amine the details I nvent a solution T est your solution

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

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

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

29. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Key Points to Remember Problem-solving is an important part of your job. Your problem-solving skills have an impact on your career. Take advantage of input from others. You can solve any problem.