Solving Workplace Problems Section 16.2 Solving Workplace Problems

How to generate, compare, and implement solutions WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to identify and solve workplace problems using the problem-solving process How to generate, compare, and implement solutions continued

How to evaluate the results of your decisions WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to evaluate the results of your decisions

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Problem-solving skills will enable you to overcome difficult situations in your personal and professional life.

KEY TERMS brainstorm analogy assumptions

Problem-Solving Process Understanding the Problem-Solving Process The six steps in the problem-solving process are to: Identify and clarify the problem. Generate alternative solutions, using creative thinking and logical reasoning. continued

Problem-Solving Process Understanding the Problem-Solving Process Evaluate the probable consequences of the solutions. Decide on the best solution. Implement the solution. Evaluate the results.

Step 1: Identify and Clarify the Problem Assemble as much accurate information as you can about the problem. Ask specific questions and stay objective.

Step 1: Identify and Clarify the Problem To brainstorm is to think creatively, without evaluating ideas until later. Brainstorm as many solutions as possible.

Step 1: Identify and Clarify the Problem Do not evaluate or judge solutions that come from an individual or group brainstorming session. Keep ideas flowing freely.

Step 1: Identify and Clarify the Problem For a successful brainstorming session, make sure the goal is clear. In a group session, make sure everyone in the group is included.

Alternative Solutions Step 2: Generate Alternative Solutions Coming up with alternative solutions often requires creative thinking.

Alternative Solutions Step 2: Generate Alternative Solutions Strategies for creative thinking are to: Jot down ideas whenever they come to you. Use spider maps and clustering to associate ideas. continued

Alternative Solutions Step 2: Generate Alternative Solutions Invent a model, picture, or symbol to represent the problem. continued

Alternative Solutions Step 2: Generate Alternative Solutions Use analogies. An analogy is a comparison of two seemingly dissimilar things. It helps you see things in a new way.

Alternative Solutions Step 2: Generate Alternative Solutions Question assumptions. Assumptions are beliefs a person takes for granted.

Step 3: Evaluate the Probable Consequences of the Solutions List negative and positive consequences of each possible solution. Which ones best meet your short-term and long-term goals?

Step 3: Evaluate the Probable Consequences of the Solutions Evaluate the probable impact of the solutions on: you, your team and department, your customers or clients, and your company.

Step 4: Decide on the Best Solution Choose the best solution under the given circumstances. Few solutions are perfect.

Step 4: Decide on the Best Solution It is normal to feel misgivings after making a decision. Using the decision-making process allows you to feel confident that you have addressed the matter professionally.

Step 4: Decide on the Best Solution Even though problems may cause distress, most employees enjoy the feeling of success that comes with making a challenging decision.

Step 5: Implement the Solution You may need to explain your solution to coworkers in order to put it into action. Following the chain of command, obtain the necessary permission and move ahead.

Step 6: Evaluate the Results To evaluate a solution, look at its benefits and its drawbacks. If your solution is working, you should be able to cite benefits for yourself, your team or department, and your customers and clients.

Step 6: Evaluate the Results If your solution has drawbacks or if it creates new problems, identify them and correct them. On-the-job problem solving is a continuous process.

Step 6: Evaluate the Results Ask yourself what you’ve learned from the entire process. Apply what you’ve learned to prevent similar problems from happening again.

The Problem-Solving Process Graphic Organizer 16.2 The Problem-Solving Process Evaluate the results. Implement the solution. Decide on the best solution. Evaluate the probable consequences of the solutions. Generate alternative solutions. Identify and clarify the problem. Chapter 16 • Thinking Skills on the Job Succeeding in the World of Work

CAREER CHECKLIST To Increase Your Efficiency in the Workplace… Be sure to follow the rules when carrying out procedures—don’t cut corners to save time! Be innovative when you’re faced with a challenge. Ask questions when you are uncertain; doing so will save time. continued

CAREER CHECKLIST Prioritize your “to do” list. To Increase Your Efficiency in the Workplace… Prioritize your “to do” list. Don’t procrastinate when it comes to the simple tasks—they’ll build up. Work with fellow employees to solve problems.

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 16.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension In your own words, describe the six basic steps of problem solving. continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 16.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension In an on-the-job situation, how can you identify good sources of information? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 16.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension Why is creating alternative solutions better than relying on only one solution? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 16.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension What do you think are the advantages of group problem solving? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 16.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension Describe how you and another person solved a similar problem, and compare the consequences of each solution. continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 16.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Critical Thinking How can your personality affect your problem-solving and decision-making skills?

Solving Workplace Problems End of Section 16.2 Solving Workplace Problems