Problem solving can often feel like a daunting task and all of us regularly have to solve problems in our daily lives. I know in my own personal life solving problems and choosing the right course of action can be quite overwhelming even when there are no outside interfering influences. But just as there is in my life I am sure there is in yours, others in your family or your friends can be a big influence when you attempt to solve your problems. Sometimes this influence can be positive and sometimes this influence can be negative. Whatever type the input, outside influences just make the problem solving efforts harder to implement. .
I spent some time recently reviewing an article on the UOP website titled "Seven Steps Outlined for Effective Problem-Solving" and it outlines a technique which I find can be very helpful in solving many problems that may come your way. (www.bizjournals.com, 2000) The seven steps are: Identify the issues, understand everyone's interests, list the possible solutions, evaluate the options, select an option or options, document the agreements, agree on contingencies monitoring and evaluation. I will look at and explain each one of these points individually and provide examples.
The Seven Problem Solving Steps.
The first step is to identify the issues. This means that you need to clearly identify your problem and issues and people involved with the particular problem. Last week was my youngest son's birthday and we told him he could do whatever he wanted for his birthday. He wanted to go swimming at Seven Peaks Water Park. Well, Seven Peaks is closed and I had a problem on my hands. How do I make him happy on his birthday without making him cry? I first identified the problem. We can't go to Seven Peaks because it is closed so we have to go somewhere else. Where?.
Secondly, one must understand everyone's interests. This means that when solving your problem you want to look for the solution that will best satisfy the needs of everyone involved in the particular matter.