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

© BLR®—Business & Legal Resources 1408

Problem Solving For Supervisors


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


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.


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

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



Find a Solution!

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

—Lao Tzu The Way of Life

“

”


Get Help• Ask

• Tap

• Build

• Delegate


The Impact of Input

NEW IDEAS

POSSIBILITIESSOLUTIONS

ASSOCIATIONS


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


Can live with consequences

Can’t live with consequences

UnusualSignificant Not urgentMinorRoutine

Step 2:Step 2: Prioritize Prioritize

TOP PRIORITY

2NDPRIORITY

Urgent


What you need to know:

• Details

• Advice

• Causes

• Extent

• Multiple or related problems

Step 3: Gather Information


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


Congratulations! You’ve got a

Step 5: Select an Option

CALCULATE CHOOSE TEST

MONITOR IMPLEMENT

DOCUMENT

PRESENT


EvaluateListenAssessVerify

Step 6: Follow Up and Encourage Feedback

Anticipate


Problem-Solving ProcessDo you understand:

• Importance of problem-solving?

• Where to look for help?

• Steps in the problem-solving process?


Can You Solve This Problem?

Connect the dots usingfour continuous lines


How About This Problem?

Connect the dots usingonly three continuous lines


Question #1 Answer #1





Ask Why 5 Times


Problem Reversal• Flip the question

• Opposite thinking

• Start with a solution


Visual Approaches


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

solution5. Sleep on it6. Take a walk


FEAR OF MISTAKES

ASSUMPTIONS

Roadblocks to Successful Problem-Solving

RUSHING


Roadblocks to Successful Problem-Solving (cont.)

GIVING UPDENIALLACK OF

CONFIDENCE

BEING TOO

LOGICAL


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


Solving Recurring Problems (cont.)

Where does it occur?

Who is involved?

What information have you got?

What additional/alternative steps must you take?


Review

Focus attention and observe with an open mind

Identify the real problem

eXamine the details

Invent a solution

Test your solution


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

Put the Pear in the Bottle

?


SOLUTION: Grow the pear in the bottle!

Put the Pear in the Bottle (cont.)


Problem-Solving TechniquesDo you understand:

• Problem-solving techniques?

• Roadblocks to successful problem-solving?

• How to solve recurring problems?


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.

Documents

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