1. Roles of Facilitator or Manager in
Problem Solving stages

2. Stages in a problem solving model
• 1. Situation Analysis
• 2. Problem Analysis
• 3. Solution Analysis
• 4. Implementation Analysis

3. Roles of the manager
• Managers or facilitators play different roles at
different stages
– good problem solvers must be able to recognize the
movement from one stage of problem-solving to
another and adjust their role
– balancing dual positions in each of the stages of
problem-solving is essential for a good result
• position 1 (sometimes referred to as “Green mode”) is
about facilitating creative imagination, being sensitive to the
immediate situation, and having empathy with other people
• position 2 ( sometimes referred to as “Red mode”) is about
priority setting, problem definition, and decision-making

4. Leader
• In the situation analysis phase
– since this phase involves visioning and exploring
and is about priority setting the manager must act
as a leader to the group that has been engaged.
• It is the manager who must see a future and move the
team toward it
• this does not mean the manager has the answer but is
willing to lead the group forward

5. Detective
• After the problem has been chosen, or truly
identified the manager then becomes the
detective in this second stage of problem-
solving
– the detective gathers all of the information from
all sources
• defining the problem further
• drawing upon organizational history
• piecing together disparate parts

6. Inventor
• Having defined the problem and moving
toward solution analysis the manager
becomes the chief inventor
– looking for ideas from those on his team
– unique solutions
– opportunities that are hidden
• And ultimately to help the group make a
decision

7. Coordinator
• Finally, at the implementation analysis stage
– the manager seeks participation
– coordinates the planning
– and sees a solution put in place

8. Aware
• Finally, in all stages
– Managers/facilitators will take into account
• Everything they know about their people
• The diversity and its’ cultural impact
• Learning styles
• Perceptions
• Communication mediumns