Problem Solving & Decision Making (1 Day Program)
Description: Foundation Skills (1)
Duration: 1 Day
Date: 21 November 2005
Cost: $550.00
Skilful problem solving is the very heart, mind and soul of Solutionism and Solutionists spend most of their time trying to help others develop "skilful solutions for complex problems".
We say "skilful" because Solutioneering requires solutions to be developed through a conscious process that applies specific principles, methodologies, techniques, tools and behaviours to problem solving. Optimal solutions rarely arise through sheer luck, so we develop, adopt and use specific processes to improve our chances of achieving optimal outcomes in complex and conflicted situations. And while we're always happy to receive our fair share of luck, we don't ever rely on it to solve problems, or resolve conflicts.
We say "complex" because problems involving people invariably have layers of complexity that are quite different, and are typically far more profound, than non-human problems, such as mechanical breakdowns.
All too often, people don't consciously use any definable process of problem solving when trying to solve complex problems. Similarly, they often ignore, or try to avoid, the underlying people issues. Consequently, many problems are resolved very poorly. Indeed, it often comes as a profound surprise to discover that a problem has been really well solved!
Decision making goes hand-in-glove with problem solving. During, and especially at the end of the problem solving process, we have to make one or more decisions to determine the "go forward", or implementation plan, that will give us closure now the problem has been solved.
Learning Objectives
As with all TSG training, this course is customised to address the individual circumstances and needs of individual participants, and of individual businesses, organisations, professions and industries.
This course teaches the fundamentals of problem solving, and is applicable to any type of problem involving two or more people. There need not be any conflict, there only needs to be a requirement to work collaboratively to develop a solution.
On this course we teach participants how to use the CONSEPS model (trademark pending) which shows participants how to analyse problems and synthesise solutions through a 4 stage process. Students are provided with a conceptual framework, procedural guidelines and practical tools that they can take away with them and apply in the many problem situations they have to deal with - both at work and in their private lives.
Reflecting the fact that problem solving is a fiercely practical activity, students are provided with facilitated case studies to work, so they can practise their new skills and reinforce their course learnings.
We also teach people how to make wise decisions - and how to be satisfied that they have, indeed, made wise decisions. The inability to make wise decisions, or any decisions, or the inability to believe in a decision once it's been made, can all be crippling problems in themselves for individuals and organisations.
Hierarchy of Skills - Position in Skills Development Program
This is our Level (1), absolute foundation skill program. We firmly believe that if you don't have at least a basic level of skill to solve problems and make wise decisions, you must be flying blind for much of the time. In our modern, highly interconnected and highly interdependent society, anybody who finds themselves in a position of any responsibility is obliged to solve problems and make wise decisions many times each day.
We also reason that many of the people we teach will be involved, in some capacity or other, in complex and heated disputes and conflicts in the future. If they don't have reasonable levels of skill in problem solving and decision making, they have little right to be trying to help others to do the same!
Course Topics
Definition of a "Problem"
Elements of a Problem
People Factors
Issue Factors
Elements of Problem Solving
Essential Objective, Substance and Outcomes
Making Wise Decisions
The CONSEPS Model - Concept
The CONSEPS Model - Applications
Process Stages:
- Stage 1: Identify (facts and other information)
- Stage 2: Evaluate (information and choices)
- Stage 3: Option Generation
- Stage 4: Solutions
Other Thinking Tips, Tools and Techniques
Other Thinking Tools for Problem Solving
Summary - Ten Guidelines for Problem Solving
