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Problem Solving For Supervisors

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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

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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.

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Problem—n. an obstacle to achieving goals; a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution.

Got Problems?Got Problems?Got Problems?Got Problems?

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Find a Solution!

The biggest problem in the world could have been solved when it was small.

—Lao Tzu The Way of Life

“

”

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Get Help• Ask

• Tap

• Build

• Delegate

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The Impact of Input

NEW IDEAS

POSSIBILITIESSOLUTIONS

ASSOCIATIONS

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Step 1: Identify the Problem• Observe• Define• Stick to facts• Ask questions

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Can live with consequences

Can’t live with consequences

UnusualSignificant Not urgentMinorRoutine

Step 2:Step 2: Prioritize Prioritize

TOP PRIORITY

2NDPRIORITY

Urgent

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What you need to know:

• Details

• Advice

• Causes

• Extent

• Multiple or related problems

Step 3: Gather Information

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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

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Congratulations! You’ve got a

Step 5: Select an Option

CALCULATE CHOOSE TEST

MONITOR IMPLEMENT

DOCUMENT

PRESENT

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EvaluateListenAssessVerify

Step 6: Follow Up and Encourage Feedback

Anticipate

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Problem-Solving ProcessDo you understand:

• Importance of problem-solving?

• Where to look for help?

• Steps in the problem-solving process?

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Can You Solve This Problem?

Connect the dots usingfour continuous lines

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How About This Problem?

Connect the dots usingonly three continuous lines

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Question #1 Answer #1

Question #2 Answer #2

Question #3 Answer #3

Question #4 Answer #4

Question #5 Answer #5

Ask Why 5 Times

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Problem Reversal• Flip the question

• Opposite thinking

• Start with a solution

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Visual Approaches

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More Helpful Techniques1. Analogy2. Reframe3. Break down4. Simplest

solution5. Sleep on it6. Take a walk

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FEAR OF MISTAKES

ASSUMPTIONS

Roadblocks to Successful Problem-Solving

RUSHING

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Roadblocks to Successful Problem-Solving (cont.)

GIVING UPDENIALLACK OF

CONFIDENCE

BEING TOO

LOGICAL

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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

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Solving Recurring Problems (cont.)

Where does it occur?

Who is involved?

What information have you got?

What additional/alternative steps must you take?

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Review

Focus attention and observe with an open mind

Identify the real problem

eXamine the details

Invent a solution

Test your solution

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PROBLEM: How would you get the pear in the bottle?

Put the Pear in the Bottle

?

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SOLUTION: Grow the pear in the bottle!

Put the Pear in the Bottle (cont.)

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Problem-Solving TechniquesDo you understand:

• Problem-solving techniques?

• Roadblocks to successful problem-solving?

• How to solve recurring problems?

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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.