Problems and how to solve them
[Articles home]Due to the
large response I have had to the few articles I have published on my
site relating to problems and problem solving I have decided to
publish an overview of a series of lectures I have given on this
topic. These articles are based on a course I developed and
delivered in Australia for corporate managers.
The
focus of these articles is for management but many of the principles
and suggestions apply equally well to students and others when faced
with a problem.
The articles
may be read as stand alone articles or as a comprehensive outline on
dealing with problems.
Gary Hadler B.Ec, Dip.Ed, MBA.
If you have an comments on an article, please just email it to
info@tuition.com.hk
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Articles
What are
problems?
This article gives an overview of exactly what do we mean when we have a
problem.
Problems can be
defined broadly as situations in which we experience uncertainty or
difficulty in achieving what we want to achieve. It is very
important to understand the nature of a problem prior to looking for the
best solution.
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The stages of problem solving
This article examines the different stages
involved in the problem solving process.
The problem solving
process can be divided in different ways and the stages have been given
various labels. This has been done to make it easier to understand but
how it is divided and the labels that are used are not important. To be
a successful problem solver you need to understand what the stages
involve and follow them methodically whenever you encounter a
problem.
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The skills of
problem solving
Problem solving
requires two distinct types of mental skill, analytical and creative.
This article covers some of the skills which can be developed and
encouraged to make problem solving more straightforward and effective.
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Why people
fail to solve problems effectively
Solving problems
is a complex process and each of us is better at the skills required
at some stages than others. This article examines some of the major
reasons that people fail to solve problems in an effective manner.
Knowing the reasons for failure is a good start to avoiding these
reasons when trying to solve your own problems.
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Barriers
to finding the best solution
Some of the reasons we do not find the most effective solutions to
our problems have been mentioned already. This article looks at a
range of factors known as 'blocks' which can hinder your problem
solving. It will help you to learn to recognise and overcome them.
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Overcoming
the blocks to problem solving
This article looks at some ways that the
obstacles or blocks that were considered in the previous article can
be overcome. For many people once they clearly identified the
block that they are facing can implement a strategy that will then
allow them to overcome these blocks.
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A good
climate for problem solving
It's not enough
simply to teach effective problem solving techniques. The working
environment has a very powerful influence on the individual's
ability to solve problems effectively and it needs to be supportive
and stimulating. It is a very helpful way to improve problem
solving techniques by ensuring the environment is conducive to
people being able to effectively solve their problems.
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Company
policies and procedures effect on problem solving
Possessing good
problem solving skills does not make people automatically use them
to the benefit of the organisation. They need encouragement, support
and guidance in applying them to the organisation's problems. If the
company has in place obstacles to people using their problem solving
techniques this can be a substantial problem to solutions being
found. What can an organisation do about this.
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Style of
management effect on problem solving
The way or style of management within an
organisation has a very big effect on the ability of people to
effectively solve problems. Often managers are not even aware
that their actions and behaviors are contributing to the problem.
I remember learning during my MBA the single biggest reason people
leave their job is they do not like their boss.
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Physical environment effect
on problem solving
We all know from
experience that our surroundings can have an important influence on
the way we feel, think and work. This is particularly true of
solving problems, in terms of both' the process itself and the'
general attitude to productivity.
It is very important to try to ensure that the physical environment
that we are operating in is not contributing to our inability to
solve the problems that we face.
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Does your
organisation support problem solving? 15 telling questions to ask!
Many people think that their is no or
little problems with their organisation. This is a simple list
of fifteen telling questions to ask yourself about your organisation
in relation to problem solving. If your answer is NO to some
of these questions then I suggest you ask yourself 'why not?'.
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So what's
the problem?
Before you start
trying to solve a problem you need to be sure that a problem exists,
discover precisely what it is, and decide whether it is important
enough to warrant time and effort in solving it. This articles is aimed at helping you: ensure that you
recognise problems efficiently; define problems
effectively; decide if action
is necessary and when.
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Defining problems – closed and open ended problems
It is very important that your can
clearly distinguish between an open ended problem and a closed
problem. The need to have a clear definition of the problem
you are facing is the best first step to solving it. This
article is aimed at giving you some practical suggestions about how
to go about getting a clear understanding of the problem that you
are facing. Many poor solutions to problems originate with
people poorly defining what the problem was in the first place.
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Finding
possible solutions to your problems
Now that we have been able to correctly
define our problem, the search for solutions can begin. The
next few articles look at possible frameworks and methods that can
be used to find solutions to the problems that you face. When
looking for a solution it is important to try to find the best
possible solution and not just any possible solutions. Quick
fixes can often lead to future problems.
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The Road to a Solution - Using models to represent a problem
When we face an
important problem our eagerness to solve it often leads us to accept
the first solution that comes to mind, so that we can implement it
without delay. Very often this will not be the most effective
solution available. The best approach, particularly with open-ended
problems, is to create a range of possible solutions from which we
can subsequently select the best. This article looks at how
different models can be helpful in finding a solution.
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The Road to a Solution -
Generating ideas
This article goes into some depth about
different methods that can be used to generate new and fresh ideas
about how to solve a problem. The saying that you cannot see
the wood because of the tress is often really referring to lack of a
new approach at looking. There a a variety of simple methods
that can be used to help you come up with new ways to solve a
problem.
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Solving problems using a group - advantages
and disadvantages
During our study and work life we will often be
expected to work as a part of a group. Group work often leaves
have at people frustrated. Many question the effectiveness of group
decision making, others strongly support it.
So when should we use a group to solve a problem and what are the
advantages and disadvantages of
using a group to solve a problem.
Read
More..
The ‘unlucky’
list to bad decision making
The following is a list of the thirteen most
common reasons people make bad decisions.
Once aware of what factors cause bad decisions to be made it should be
easier to avoid making bad decisions yourself. This article
includes some factors that should be considered when you are trying
to decide who you should involve in the decision making process.
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Evaluating
the solution
There are
various ways of evaluating the possible solutions to a
problem but' basically you need to identify and compare
their relative values. This information must be recorded and
presented in a meaningful way to aid comparison. It can also
be used to persuade other people to accept the decision and
help to communicate the solution to those involved in its
implementation. This article considers some keys factors
that need to be considered when evaluating possible solutions
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Getting
your solution
accepted -
Reasons for opposition and how to plan your presentation
Once you
have decided on a solution to a particular problem you
may need to obtain other people's cooperation,
approval or authority in order to implement it
successfully. With routine problems, where there is common
understanding of what is involved, this is often straightforward and
simply involves notifying the relevant people of your decision and
how it will affect them. However, with complex and uncommon
problems, and where major change or extensive use of resources is
required, you should plan how to present your solution effectively.
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Getting
your solution
accepted - Making your presentation
The way you
present your information is crucial to success, whether it's done
verbally or in a report. In general you should aim to make your
presentation clear, simple and to the point. To help explain your
solution in a way that people will understand easily read the
suggestions contained in this article.
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Implementing your solution
Implementation is the culmination of all your work in
solving a problem and requires careful attention to detail.
There are three basic stages involved:
planning and preparing to implement the solution; implementing and monitoring the action: reviewing and analysing the success of the
action. This article looks at these issues.
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The Action Plan
This article
is the final in my series of articles based on a systematic approach
to problem solving.
The
following Action Plan covers the main features of the
problem solving process. You can use it as a guide in
tackling the problems you encounter. Remember that these
stages often mix and overlap. You may have noted additional
points which are relevant to your particular situation..
Read More..
