GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Ch. 6

DEFINE THE PROBLEM How did this problem come about?

Why does it need to be solved?

Try to limit the objective so that it can focus on finding a specific solution to a specific problem

ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR A WORKABLE SOLUTION Decide on criteria

Criteria is a set of standards

Deciding this early will help you avoid many arguments

Once the criteria is chosen it shows you what a possible solution might look like

ANALYZE THE PROBLEM Break the problem down into small

pieces for close examination

Gather as much information as possible

Most problems have a long history, so learn all the background info

SUGGEST POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Brainstorm possible solutions

Brainstorm- bombard problem with fresh ideas

No idea is wrong

Come up with as many ideas as possible

The more ideas you can produce, the more likely you are to find the solution that works

EVALUATE EACH SOLUTION AND SELECT THE BEST ONE

Does each solution meet the agreed upon standards? The best solution is the one that most clearly fits the

criteria

Suggest Ways for Testing or Carrying Out the Solution

Must make sure that solution is practical

If possible do a brief test