Problem Solving

Focus on Problems vs. Focus on Solutions

Focus on Problems Focus on Solutions

• When NASA put astronauts into space discovered that the pens did not write in zero gravity

• Needed to solve the problem

• It took ten years and $12 million dollars

• A zero gravity pen was developed

• The Russians used a pencil!

Techniques to Develop SolutionsBrainstorming: Flow of Ideas

Situation

Problems

Needs

Objectives

Strategies

Ideas

Ideas

Ideas

Ideas

Ideas

Ideas

Ideas

The ideas you want to develop should flow from the strategies you identify to achieve the objectives

What you want to achieve

How you get there

ExampleSituation:• You just learned of a grant

deadline that is three days away. The grant would provide the opportunity for your department to buy a piece of software that you have desperately wanted which would streamline your day-to-day processes and operations. It is up to members of the staff, who are already overworked, to find the time to write the grant and submit it by the deadline.

Ideas:

Your perception of any problem depends on the position from where you perceive

it.

Creative Problem SolvingReframing and Turning Problems into Opportunities

How else can I do this or

consider this?

Discover Opportunities

•Don’t focus on the problems

•Look for solutions

•See every problem as an opportunity

Stepping Out of Your Shoes

Problem to be

solved

Attitudes

Stakeholders

Observer

Sage

Asking Effective QuestionsHow can I fix things and get

them back to the way they were

before?

How can I fix things and make them better than they were before?OR

Five Rules for Creative ThinkingDon’t let assumptions stifle your capacity

Discipline yourself to take time to look for alternatives

Create an atmosphere where you and others can apply creative thinking

Shed inhibitions: move from left-brain to right-brain thinking

Spinning your wheels: leave it for a while and let your unconscious work on a solution

Questions or Comments?