There can always be problems at work and employers need staff who can spot a problem coming, solve it and also prevent problems happening in the first place. This Challenge will help you.

PROBLEMS AT WORK ARE NORMAL

Think of 3 different problems which could happen at work under the following categories:

Problems with

equipment

Problems with staff

Problems with

suppliers

Problems with

service

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

It’s easy to say “It’s not my problem” but when you start work you have to be responsible and get good at not just spotting a problem but sharing a problem and working with others to fix the problem.

Challenge P16

WHAT SORT OF PROBLEMS YOU ARE GOOD AT SOLVING?

We tend to be good at spotting a problem when it personally matters. (Like protecting our mobile phones!)

However, when we are at work bosses want staff who care and who will take personal responsibility for a problem and work hard to solve it.

What happens if we don’t take responsibility for problems?

Can you think of an example when you had a problem with a company? Did someone take your problem seriously?

HOWDID

ITBREA

K?

WHOSEFAULTW

ASIT?

HOWCOULDISTOPTHIS

PROBLEMINTHEFUTURE?

FROM PROBLEM SPOTTING TO

PROBLEM SOLVING.

In pairs discuss this real-life scenario.

Two staff working in a busy café suddenly realize that they have run out of till roll for the card machine.

Next day when the boss comes back in, which response would she be happiest with.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHARING

A PROBLEM AND ‘SNITHCING’?

When there is a problem at work or school for that matter, it can sometimes be very difficult to let the boss know.

Sometimes people don’t say anything because they fear that they will be called a ‘snitch.’

However there are ways in which you can share problems professionally and openly.

When do you think it is important to share a problem even if it is another person’s fault?

HOW DO WE MOVE FROM PROBLEM SPOTTERS TO

PROBLEM SOLVERS?

Try to remember that you are

already good at solving

personal problems.

Ask other people how they

see the problem and get

perspective

Once you have shown you are

good at solving problems give

yourself some status and tell

other people “I’m good at

solving problems.”

Try to anticipate problems

before they arise and think

creatively as to how you can

prevent them.

@Facework has been produced by the Inclusion Trust (charity no 1111425) Photos/illustrations purchased and used under license from IStock photos see www.facework.today

Sometimes you have to look at problems from a different angle!

This diagram shows how to solve problems by breaking down the process into different parts.