1. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Problem Solving For Employees

2. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Session Objectives Recognize the importance of problem solving Understand the positive impact of input Identify problem-solving steps Use effective problem-solving techniques

3. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Prequiz: How Much Do You Know? You should be able solve all work problems on your own. You can’t begin to solve a problem until you’ve clearly defined it. Once you’ve decided on a solution and implemented it, the problem-solving process is complete. Drawing a picture of a problem can sometimes help you solve it.

4. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Problem— n. an obstacle to achieving goals; a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution. Got Problems? © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408

5. If it doesn’t have a solution, it isn’t a problem. Find a Solution! © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408

6. TALK Your Way to a Solution ap sk ook eep a list T A L K

7. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 NEW IDEAS POSSIBILITIES SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATIONS The Impact of Input

8. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Know the Limits of Your Problem-Solving Authority Report problems Review solutions Provide feedback

9. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 6 Generate ideas Pick best solution Double check 6 Steps to More Effective Problem Solving Define Prioritize Inform yourself

10. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Problem-Solving Process Do you understand: Importance of problem solving? Where to look for help? Steps in the problem- solving process?

11. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Connect the numbers using four continuous lines 1 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 9 Can You Solve This Problem?

12. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Connect the dots using only three continuous lines How About This Problem?

13. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Question #1 Answer #1 Question #2 Answer #2 Question #3 Answer #3 Question #4 Answer #4 Question #5 Answer #5 Ask Why 5 Times © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408

14. Problem Reversal Flip the question Opposite thinking Start with a solution

15. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Visual Approaches

16. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 More Helpful Techniques Analogy Reframe Break down Simplest solution Sleep on it Take a walk

17. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Assumptions Rushing Fear of Mistakes FEAR OF MISTAKES ASSUMPTIONS Roadblocks to Successful Problem Solving RUSHING

18. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Being too logical Denial Lack of confidence Giving up Roadblocks to Successful Problem Solving (cont.) GIVING UP DENIAL LACK OF CONFIDENCE BEING TOO LOGICAL

19. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 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

20. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Solving Recurring Problems (cont.) Where does it occur? Who is involved? What information have you got? What additional/alternative steps must you take?

21. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Review Focus attention and observe with an open mind Identify the real problem EXamine the details Invent a solution Test your solution

22. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 PROBLEM: How would you get the pear in the bottle? Put the Pear in the Bottle ?

23. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 SOLUTION: Grow the pear in the bottle! Put the Pear in the Bottle (cont.)

24. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Problem-Solving Techniques Do you understand: Problem-solving techniques? Roadblocks to successful problem solving? How to solve recurring problems?

25. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1408 Key Points to Remember Problem solving is an important part of your job. The skill with which you solve problems has a direct impact on your effectiveness on the job and your career success. Be sure to take advantage of input from others to help you solve problems. By taking a step-by-step approach and applying a variety of techniques, you can solve any problem.