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Overcoming the Blocks to Problem Solving
[Problem solving home]
Perceptual blocks
These are
relatively easy to overcome, simply by using the step-by-step
approach, eg
-
having systems to warn of the occurrence of
problems
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defining and analysing problems adequately
-
collecting all the relevant information
-
questioning whether you have used inaccurate
information or made assumptions about what is and isn't
relevant
-
asking for other people's points of view
-
using
models to. represent the relationships between different
aspects of the problem.
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Emotional blocks
These can be difficult to overcome because they
require a change in attitude, which may take
some time to learn. The following methods help
to achieve this change:
·
accept that if you are looking for new, better
ways of doing something, some mistakes are
almost inevitable
·
remember that many great thinkers have been ,
ridiculed for what turned out to be great
inventions eg the heavier-than-air flying
machine
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if you still' fear looking foolish, try to
develop your ideas into a practical form before
you show them to anyone, or develop a logical
argument to prove that they will work
-
following a strictly methodical approach will
automatically curb impatience
-
to avoid anxiety tackle problems in small, easily
manageable steps; if necessary, put the problem
aside and come back to it later
-
if you don't want to take risks, identify the
worst possible consequences, and how likely they
are to occur, and then try to find ways of
preventing them
Intellectual blocks
To overcome the intellectual blocks described in
this chapter you need to
-
learn to be methodical
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practice using different types of 'language' to
tackle problems
-
practice using the various analytical and
creative techniques.
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Expressive blocks
Overcoming
these blocks involves learning to
·
identify
which 'language' is most likely to help you solve a particular
problem
·
use languages
in different ways, eg diagrams to represent problems normally
described verbally
·
ensure that
when you explain ideas you have all the relevant information,
it is accurate, and that you convey it all clearly
·
develop a
style of working with others which is not too forceful (so
that people are more willing to listen to you) and not too
passive (so that you learn how to influence people); showing
enthusiasm for your ideas can help by infecting others with
enthusiasm.
Environmental
blocks
Overcoming
these blocks can be done by using some of these methods:
-
if there is a climate of ,criticism, develop the
strengths of your ideas and ways to overcome their
weaknesses before you propose the being careful how
you describe it to others " also help to avoid
premature criticism
-
conduct your problem solving in an environment
which suits you, ie comfortable and free of
distractions likely to hinder you; this may make
setting aside some time when you can move away from
your normal working environment
-
if you feel people may not provide the
help need, try to identify the benefits to then solving the
problem before you ask for their help
-
if pressure of work hinders you, set aside
s time when you are free from other wor tackle the
problem
-
if your work is monotonous, introduce ~ variety
by looking for different ways of , the job; alternatively,
look for varied tasks that could be delegated to you.
'
Cultural blocks
The following
methods can be used to help overcome various cultural blocks:
-
critically question existing ideas and me looking
for areas for improvement
-
identify constraints and question their validity
-
if you dislike change, do some 'wishful
thinking’ to see what benefits change would bring; ask
yourself what would be the consequences of taking a new
approach.
-
if you think fantasy and humour have no
place in problem solving, practice using your day dreams to
develop your ideas; next time someone cracks a joke about a
situation, think about what new perspectives it creates
-
if you think intuition is unreliable, think back
over recent problems you have solved; did that first 'hunch'
turn out to be dose to your final solution?
-
if you are in a very competitive environment, be
careful how you explain your ideas to people competing with
you; emphasise the likely benefits to them
-
if there is a strong climate of cooperation, ask
members of your group for their ideas and comments; share
the problem with them.
If you fail
to solve a problem effectively, look back over your thoughts
and actions to see if a block hindered you. If it did, next
time you can prepare to avoid it. By being constantly aware of
the blocks that can occur and using the techniques described
above to overcome them when they hinder your problem solving,
you will find that gradually fewer and fewer blocks occur.
Remember
-
There is a range of factors known as blocks which
can prevent you finding the most effective solutions to our
problems.
-
You can recognise blocks by their specific
effects on your thinking and problem solving.
-
When you recognise that a block exists you can
overcome it by using the appropriate technique.
Read the next
article
A good
climate for problem solving
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Overcoming the Blocks to Problem
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small group of determined people can change the course of history."
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