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Ten Tools
A collection of organizational and
individual methods to aid effectiveness
SESSION 6
Problem-Solving Techniques
2
Ten Tools
1. Atom of Work
2. Gap Analysis
3. Difficult Conversations
4. Mental Maps
5. Advocacy versus Inquiry
6. Problem-solving Techniques
7. Team Effectiveness
8. Seven Influence Strategies
9. Feed Forward & Johari Window
10. Events of Instruction
3
4
How do I now
what to do?
How do I
know how to
get things
done?
How do I
know where
to spend my
time?
How do I
add
value?
PROBLEM-SOLVING TECHNIQUES
Ten Tools Session Six
How do I…
6
• Know what to do?
– Gap analysis
– Sensemaking
– Ideal-setting
• Get things done?
– Collaboration
– Performance
• Nurture and enhance relationships?
– Collaboration
– Communication
• Develop myself?
– Personal mastery
– Gap Analysis
– Sensemaking
• Move people and their behavior from
point A to point B?
– Gap analysis
– Influence
– Performance
• Lead teams to produce desired
results?
– Collaboration
– Performance
– Facilitation
• Solve problems?
– Sense making
– Evaluation
– Performance
What Might You Gain From This
Session?
• Given a performance situation, you will
– Demonstrate an understanding of a method of problem
solving
– Apply the method of problem solving to produce a
accurate definition of the actual problem and its roots
while also generating criteria that will inform solution
generation and implementation
• Define and redefine
• Analyze
• Generate Criteria for successful solution
7
Session Date Competencies
Atom of Work 2/24/15 Results orientation
Relationship Mastery / People Skills
Gap Analysis 3/18/15 Results orientation
Market and Customer Orientation/ Insight
Difficult Conversations 4/7/15 Results orientation
Relationship Mastery / People Skills
Mental Maps 5/28/15 Results orientation
Relationship Mastery / People Skills
Market and Customer Orientation/ Insight Learning Agility
Advocacy versus Inquiry 6/23/15 Learning Agility
Relationship Mastery / People Skills
Problem Solving 7/29/15 Results orientation
Market and Customer Orientation/ Insight
Learning Agility
Team Effectiveness 8/25/15 Results orientation
Relationship Mastery / People Skills
Seven Influence Strategies 9/29/15 Results orientation
Relationship Mastery / People Skills
FeedFoward and Johari Window 10/27/15 Relationship Mastery / People Skills
Events of Instruction 11/30/14 Learning Agility
(Bonus) Six steps 12/10/14
Extra day hold
How Other Tools Fit With
Problem-Solving
What
You
Should
Request
ETS Success Six Connections
Results Orientation
Delivering on promises and commitments: Select the
right actions to take
Market Insight and Service Orientation
Understanding how actions taken to address the
“problem to be solved” work
Learning Agility
Learn from your setting of criteria for next problem
Functional and Technical Acumen
Can you perform your job? Making the highest quality
decisions that allow you to do so
Suggested List of “Top 35” Techniques
REDEFINING PROBLEMS
3.01 Analogies
3.02 Boundary Examinations
3.05 Metaphors
3.06 Progressive Abstractions
3.07 Reversals
4.24 Synectics
7.05 Lateral Thinking
ANALYZING PROBLEMS
3.11 Input-Output
3.13 Relevance Systems
7.06 Morphological Analysis
7.09 Kepner-Tregoe
GENERATING IDEAS
(INDIVIDUAL TECHNIQUES)
3.01 Analogies
3.06 Progressive Abstractions
3.07 Reversals
3.13 Relevance Systems
4.01 Attribute Listing
4.03 Checklists
4.04 Focused-Object
4.09 Relational Algorithms
7.05 Lateral Thinking
7.06 Morphological Analysis
GENERATING IDEAS
(GROUP TECHNIQUES)
4.10 Battelle-Bildmappen-Brainwriting
4.12 Classical Brainstorming
4.13 Collective Notebook
4.17 Gordon/Little
4.21 Semantic Intuition
4.23 Stimulus Analysis
4.24 Synectics
4.27 Visual Synectics
7.04 Creative Problem Solving
7.07 Delphi
7.10 Nominal Group Technique
7.12 Phases of Integrated Problem Solving
EVALUATING AND SELECTING IDEAS
5.02 Battelle Method
5.04 Decision Balance Sheet
5.07 Idea Advocate
5.08 Panel Consensus
5.09 Reverse Brainstorming
5.11 SPAN Voting
5.13 Weighting Systems
IMPLEMENTING IDEAS
6.01 Potential-Problem Analysis
6.03 Research Planning Diagrams
Arthur Van Gundy
It’s recursive
Choice
Design
Intelligence
Search for and
analyze problem
information
Search for ready-
made solutions
Search for
information to
evaluate solutions
Generate solution
consequences
Generate possible
techniques
select a tentative
solution
Generate
alternative
problem
definitions
Choose a
problem definition
Generate
possible
techniques
State
the
problem
Generate
Solutions
How do you know when you have a
problem?
• What conditions exist in
order for you to label a
situation a problem?
• Take a few minutes to talk
about those conditions and
select a business problem
upon which your team will
practice today
• Choose 2 or 3 to make
sure you have one that
survives our first test
What constitutes a business
problem?
• What would you say?
• The gap between a
given current state of
affairs and a future
desired state?
Remember Gap Analysis?
16
the tool to discern
the difference
between what you
wanted to
accomplish and what
you are actually
accomplishing and
the causes of that
disparity
Look
back at
that tool
You are aware that
a problem might
exist
Does a problem
GAP Exist?
Is the gap
measurable?
Do you need to
solve the problem?
Are the required
resources
available?
Is the problem
within your sphere
of influence?
Terminate the
problem-solving
process
N
O
N
O
N
O
N
O
A problem exists
Determining if a problem exists
Yes Yes Yes Yes
N
O
Pre-Problem Solving
The problem-solving stages and guidelines can
be summarized as follows:
1. Determine if a gap exists between what is
and what should be.
– Guideline: If the costs of obtaining and verifying
information about a problem gap are less than the
costs associated with not solving a potential
problem, assume that a problem gap exists.
2. Determine if the problem gap is measurable
– Guideline: If valid and reliable measurement
criteria are available, assume that a problem gap
exists.
3. Determine if you need to solve the problem
– Guideline: Will closing this problem gap likely
satisfy some personal need or value of one’s self
or significant others or will it add value to the
organization in a way others would acknowledge?
Or both? Or neither?
Summary of the Problem-Solving Solving
Pre-Problem Solving continued…
4. Assess resource availability
– Guideline: If the resources (time, information, money, personnel, et cetera) required to
solve the problem are not available and are not likely to be available in time to solve the
problem, terminate the process.
5. Determine if the problem is within your sphere of influence
– Guideline: Consult with others whenever their authorization or approval is needed to solve
a problem. If required authorization or approval can not be obtained, terminate the
process; otherwise, assume that the problem is within your sphere of influence.
Arthur Van Gundy
Where did you end up with your group’s chosen problem?
It has been
determined that a
problem exists
Search for problem
information
Is the problem ill
structured?
Redefine and
analyze the
problem
Should others
participate?
Use group
techniques
search for Ready-
made solutions
Use individual
techniques
N
O
N
O
Select individual or
group techniques
Selecting individual and group
techniques for redefining and
analyzing problems
Yes
Yes
Problem Definition and Analysis
1. Search for and analyze problem information.
2. Determine if the problem is ill-structured.
Guideline: The more information known about the problem states and how to
resolve the problem, the more structured the problem will be.
3. If the problem is not ill-structured, search for and evaluate the adequacy of
ready-made solutions.
4. If the problem is ill-structured, determine if individual or group procedures
should be used to redefine and analyze the problem.
Guideline: If time is available and acceptance of others is critical, use group
techniques; otherwise use individual techniques. (Exceptions: If time is
available and acceptance is not critical, others could be involved for their
own personal development or to provide additional sources of stimulation.)
Arthur Van Gundy
Problem Definition and Analysis continued…
5. Select one or more redefinitional and analytical techniques.
Guideline: Use as many techniques as possible that can be justified by the
available time and the importance of the problem.
6. Generate alternative problem definitions.
7. Select a tentative problem definition.
Guideline: Use Conflict problem solving or CPS techniques in group
situations if there is likely to be conflict over preferred definitions or in
individual or group situations where there is a large number of equally
attractive definitions.
8. State the problem definition decided upon.
Arthur Van Gundy
Defining the problem is critical to
successful resolution
Performance System: One way of
defining the problem
Now you know a problem exists
and you have redefined it…
What's
next?
Beware quick fixes: they may only
address symptoms
Battelle Method
1. Generate ideas using classical brainstorming
2. Develop culling criteria (low-cost screens) that can
be answered with a yes or no response
3. Develop rating criteria (medium cost screens) that
can be answered with a yes or no response
4. Develop scoring criteria (high cost screens) using
quantitative or qualitative value ranges
5. Conduct an in-depth analysis of the surviving ideas
and select the most promising ones
Using Screens to Evaluate a
Proposed Apartment Development
• Culling screens
– Is the area presently saturated with other similar units?
– Is the present turnover rate of units less than 10%?
– Is the population of the market area over 100,000?
• Rating Screens
– Can the required land be obtained?
– Can the land be developed within estimated costs?
– Is the proposed site within commuting distance of at least 30% of the market
area?
• [Set a minimum score; e.g., two out of three must be answered with 'yes' ]
• Scoring Screens— “A development is a good bet if it promises that…”
– … The likely return on investment is good
– … The possibility of no cost overruns is good
– … The projected growth rate of the market exceeds 10%
Using Screens to Evaluate a
Different Possible Solutions
• Culling screens (Lowest cost in terms of the amount of information
resources needed to answer the question)
– The absolute essentials that any solution must provide, which can be answered
by yes or no; e.g., fits our mission, is legal, other companies are not doing this
yet, etc.
• Rating Screens (Medium cost in terms of the amount of information
resources needed to answer the question; Information is more difficult to
obtain)
• [Set a minimum score; e.g., two out of three must be answered with 'yes' ]
• Scoring Screens (Highest cost in terms of the amount of information
resources needed to answer the question; Information is most difficult to
obtain)
— “A Solution t is a good bet if it promises that…”
• … [Make sure that your criteria do not exceed the magic number 7+ or -2]
Generating Criteria for a
Successful Solution
• A solution to this problem must…
– Each person completes their list of 3 or four criteria separately
– This step follows the group definition of what the problem actually
is
– The group can see a written headline or summary of that agreed
upon definition while they work individually
– Each member prioritizes his or her list to select their top criteria
– The leader solicits a top-rated criterion from a member and asks if
anyone has a similar criterion – top-rated or not. The nominator
determines whether the suggested similar criterion is joined to the
original or mist stand alone as a variant
Generating Criteria for a
Successful Solution
• A solution to this problem must…
– Each person completes their list of 3 or four criteria separately
– This step follows the group definition of what the problem actually
is
– The group can see a written headline or summary of that agreed
upon definition while they work individually
– Each member prioritizes his or her list to select their top criteria
– The leader solicits a top-rated criterion from a member and asks if
anyone has a similar criterion – top-rated or not. The nominator
determines whether the suggested similar criterion is joined to the
original or mist stand alone as a variant
Scaling Criteria
• You have 100 points to spend; make them
represent your analysis if what conditions must
exists if the solution is to be successful
Irrelevant Want To Have Must Have
100
50
0
Generating the Criteria
Match? Moe Curly Larry Shemp Harry
Put the top
one here
And ask for
possible
matches…
Continue the
process
You move
from ‘must
have’
conditions…
To ‘want to
have’
conditions
To one-off
conditions
that …
should NOT
be ignored.
Generating the Criteria
Match? Moe Curly Larry Shemp Harry
? Make money Increase
revenue
Increase net
X Fit mission Fit mission Serve who we
are
X No new
resources
req’d
Use existing
resources
Use people
we have
? Innovative Move us to
the next stage
Not just
focused on
the present
Create the
future
? Generate
‘buzz’
Helps PR
Weighting the Criteria
Criteria Moe Curly Larry Shemp Harry
Make money 90 70 50 50 30
Fit mission 0 10 10 20 40
Use existing
resources
0 10 10 5 5
Create the
future
0 5 20 20 25
Generate
‘buzz’
10 5 10 5 0
Does it work?
• Whichever the approach, does the solution being
evaluated solve the problem? This may sound obvious,
but alternative solutions favored by a few members of a
decision-making team have a way of lingering long after
they been shown to be deficient. As a last resort ask
the proponents of such a solution to explain:
 How the available data supports their solution
 What available research on a topic supports it?
 How does it fit with what we know?
 How does the solution work?
 And finally, How does it solve our problem?
Choice
Design
Intelligence
Search for and
analyze problem
information
Search for ready-
made solutions
Search for
information to
evaluate solutions
Generate solution
consequences
Generate possible
techniques
select a tentative
solution
Generate
alternative
problem
definitions
Choose a
problem definition
Generate
possible
techniques
State
the
problem
Generate
Solutions
We are here
How will you use this tool?
Where would I use
this tool? How would I use
this tool?
What would I expect
to get out of it?
APPENDIX
More frameworks for problem-solving
Decomposable matrices
• To apply this technique, consider a problem of how to
improve employee satisfaction within an organization.
Since most organizations generally are viewed as
complex social systems with hierarchic structures, this
problem can be broken down into different
subsystems. For example, organizational, group, an
individual. The components of each subsystem next
are listed and arranged within a matrix. Weights are
then assigned to each of the interactions, with higher
numbers indicating greater frequencies of interaction
or greater importance of the interactions. Based upon
this matrix, the problem solver might want to
concentrate on all of the interactions within
subsystems, the small triangles created by the
diagonal line, the pay particular attention to the
interactions occurred between the group and
individual subsystems, due to hire weightings given
these interactions. Relationships between specific
components that can be selected as the focus for
generation of problem solutions or additional analysis.
Relevance systems
• Relevant systems represent a method of
organizing information about a problem
through successive refinements of major
problem elements. As each element is
listed, other elements are identified and
connect with the preceding months until a
pyramid like structure results. A common
example of relevant systems is the formal
organization chart. Top level managers are
listed at the top and then connected by
lines to progressively greater numbers of
persons at lower organizational levels. This
particular type of relevant system is
comparatively easy to constructs is the
problem is essentially well structured. It is
more difficult, however, to construct a
relevant system for ill structured problems
due to the often unknown qualities of
problem elements and constraints.
Work-based learning connection
• Work-based learning requires a new epistemology of
practice that seeks to explore not just the explicit
instructions and guidelines available in the
workplace but also the tacit processes invoked
personally by practitioners as they work through the
problems of daily management.
• Explicit knowledge is the familiar codified form that is
transmittable in formal, systematic language.
• Tacit knowledge is the component of knowledge that
is not typically reportable because it is deeply rooted
in action and involvement in a specific context
(Polanyi, 1966).
Work-based learning connection
• In other words, although individuals may be
knowledgeable in what they do, they may not have
the facility to say what they know (Pleasants, 1996).
Ryle (1945) made the distinction between "knowing
how" and "knowing that." "Knowing how" represents
the tacit dimension that often eludes our capacity to
frame our action abstractly.
Try Two Methods
Analogies Model for Company
Analogies
• “An analogy is a statement about how objects, persons, or situations are similar in
process or relationship to one another.
• Analogies are reflected in statements of comparison such as: this organization
operates like the military; the engine of this car runs like a fine Swiss watch.
• The usefulness of analogies for redefining problems are generating ideas stems
from their ability to create movement — a feature that gives analogies a "life" of
their own.
• For instance, analogies involving the gills of the fish or the poor status of a material
both express movement that could be used to improve the design for an
underwater breathing apparatus. By repeatedly relating such analogies to the
problem and gradually developing the processes relationships, a new problem
definition or solution could emerge.”
– Van Gundy
Strategy is an analogy
Factory Example
How is the
making of a
test like the
making of a
car?
How is a
problem of
taking too
long for one
part of the
assembly of
a test best
understood
through the
analogy of a
factory floor?
Or not?
Steps for using Analogies
1. State the problem
2. Think of an object,
person, or situation and
relate it to the problem in
the form of an analogy
3. Progressively develop
the analogy, translating it
back to the original
problem at each stage of
development
4. Continue developing the
analogy until a
satisfactory definition of
the problem is achieved
Model for Company
A Way To Look at Management
Tendencies
T.J. Elliott & Marty Leahy
Where do you ‘go’ when faced
with a challenge in your
company?
The thinking of
individual
employees
The allocation
and availability
of resources
The way
things are
organized
The
communication
& culture
There is
no one right answer
that fits
all situations or managers
Where do you ‘go’ when faced with a
challenge in your company?
• To the ‘thinking’ of individuals?
– Do you want people to transcend managerial frames, the
installed base of thinking --- those unquestioned conventions
and unchallenged precedents based on what worked in the
past? Do you want both learning and unlearning?
– Do you call for more “Thinking outside the box” or “Working
smarter, not harder”? Are you intrigued by the idea of a learning
organization where people escape mental models, their
unquestioned assumptions, attitudes, and beliefs?
– Do you think it is about individual knowledge? Do you try to get
at the paradigms of individuals?
• Then your tendency is Think
Where do you ‘go’ when faced with a
challenge in your company?
• To the resources that you could allocate or
rearrange?
– Do you focus on money, power, and information — the major
material resources of the company?
– Is your ‘default response’ to invest in new equipment or
technology?
– Do you have a very IT view of Knowledge management, being
able to capture what your people know as a database?
– Does it come down to financial resources? Would your answer
be finding more money as compensation, as incentive, to seed a
new market??
– Then your tendency is Resource
Where do you ‘go’ when faced with a
challenge in your company?
• To the communication in the company?
– Do you think that success hinges upon the trust, commitment,
and spirit of its employees?
– Is your ‘default response’ to talk — and listen — to involved
employees to share points of view? Do you think it is important
to make sure everyone is on the same page?
– Do you spend time trying to engage employees, to make sure
they are connected to the mission of their group or the company
at large? Do you focus on inspiring people to do their best?
– Do you believe that problems would lessen if you had a culture
of service instilled among employees?
– Then your tendency is Communicate
Where do you ‘go’ when faced with a
challenge in your company?
• To the organization of things?
– Do you look to flaws or deficits in policies an procedures? Would
you concentrate on mapping out the process to see where tasks
might be organized more efficiently?
– Do you tend to focus on better organized work flow, e.g., install
new procedures, systems, reassign responsibilities, to assure
better customer service and product quality
– Is the answer often found in establishing improved systems or
methods for producing the service or product?
– Then your tendency is Organize
The value of this model is to help you
reflect on the effectiveness of your typical
response to challenges
The thinking
of individual
employees
The allocation
and availability
of resources
The way
things are
organized
The
communication
& culture
Awareness of your
tendency allows you to
explore its fit
for various situations
60
Think
Communicate
Resource
Organize
Model for Company
Company
© Martin J. Leahy Cavanaugh Leahy & Company 1995
Organization and
Procedures
Authority and
Finances
Values
and
Vision
Attitudes
and
Beliefs
Where do
you see
this
problem?
61
Think
Communicate
Resource
Organize
Model for Company
Company
Organization and
Procedures
Authority and
Finances
Values
and
Vision
Attitudes
and
Beliefs
© Martin J. Leahy Cavanaugh Leahy & Company 1995
People Side Material Side
62
Think
Communicate
Resource
Organize
Company
© Martin J. Leahy Cavanaugh Leahy & Company 1995
No areas are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. The Model
offers a look at your preferences, at where
you ‘go’ in defining or addressing situations.
Think: The subjects in this quadrant
• What’s in the individual minds of EEs, of leaders
• Schema
– Worldview (Weltanschauung)
• Strategy: the choices we make during conditions of uncertainty
• Attitude
– Attitudes
• Belief systems
– Mottoes and Credos
– Expectations of How Things Should Be
• Self Interest / Self worth
• Private Learning
Resource: The subjects in this quadrant
• Authority Distribution
• Capital expenditures
• Technology
• $
• Intellectual Capital
• M&A
• Strategic alliances
• Hardware/databases
Communicate: The subjects in this
quadrant
• Communication
– Listening, Sharing, Understanding
• Collaboration Cooperation
• Public Learning
• Culture
• Change Management
• Values
– Trust
• Relationships
Commitment
Values
Engagement
Inspiration
Norms
Attitude
Leadership
Organize: The subjects in this quadrant
• Systems
• Methods
• Policies & Procedures
• Accountability
• Rules
• Processes
• Quality
Systems
Methods
Strategy
Planning
Workflows
Metrics
Roles
67
Think
Communicate
Resource
Organize
Company
© Martin J. Leahy Cavanaugh Leahy & Company 1995
Discuss your group's problem using this model: consider how each
of you view the problem at its essence. You may find that the problem
touches on multiple dimensions, but try to prioritize and select that
dimension which best describes the issues involved.
3 heuristic methods
 These are NOT Algorithms - a step by step problem solution which guarantees an answer usually
utilized for reproductive problem solving
 They are Heuristics  an experimental and trial-and-error approach, that does not guarantee a
solution, but may reduce search time. Typically these methods use means-ends analysis, sub-
goal breakdowns, difference reduction, problem solving by analogy, and working backwards from
the goal. Dietrich Dorner offers heuristics systems using trial and error to arrive at a solution by
helping people to narrow their focus in problem solving. They include:
 “Hill-climbing” in which you look only at the next action that can close the gap between your present and desired
situations,
 “Intermediate goals”, similar to trying to control the four central squares in a game of chess, in which you aim for
middle stages that afford you a variety of options for what to do next
 “Walking backward” in which you carefully define your end state and then those conditions and actions that will be
necessary to make it come true. You focus only on those actions as you then “walk forward”. Alternately, you could
employ “past performance” in which you do only what has worked in the past with this kind of situation.
Dorner, Dietrich. (1996). The Logic of Failure, 157-158. New York: Metropolitan Books.
Problem solving methods
• These methods are not a
guarantee of success.
Indeed, the last is often
associated with close-
minded folly. They will,
however, rescue you from
the flaw of meandering
from one consideration to
another in your decision
making
Common Managerial Skills on the
‘People Side’
• Coaching
• Communication
– Listening
– Dialogue skills
• Establishing the informal culture; ‘way we do things around
here’
– Model positive behaviors: Positive Reasoning
– Provide a constructive environment
– Communicate organizational priorities
– Recognize and reward good work
• Conflict Resolution
She is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who has built
a remarkably loyal employee base
He has forged a reputation as a team builder who excels
at revving up the troops
The chain smoking, fast talking, funny man fuels their
legendary esprit de corps
Looks at every single line item on the budget, people
are pretty amazed about the level of detail he gets into
He is known for his brutal travel schedule packed with
dawn to midnight meetings where he is the stickler for
efficiency
Led six years of cutting costs and reshaping the way
the lumbering giant designs and builds cars
Spends lavishly to win an even larger share of the
global market
High profile, helped engineer hostile takeover at XYZ
company, always ready to invade a colleague’s turf; he
is a poor manager, hirer, judge of people
He wants nothing less than to rewrite the rules of the
game; he is constantly lobbying Congress to change
FCC laws constricting ownership of TV outlets and
networks
He is making a daring bid to transform the company
from seeing itself as a collection of chemical and drug
factories into a sleek life sciences concern
He is looking for people who can come up with big bold
new ideas… the kind that give birth to billion dollar
brands… He is convinced these kinds of people are
there among the 11,000, he sees his job as emancipating
them
The primary capital equipment is brain power,
employees can start pursuing radically different
strategies in an eye blink
COMMUNICATE
COMPANY
THINK RESOURCE
ORGANIZE
Innovator
Manager
Deal Maker
Coach
Generating Criteria for a
Successful Solution
• A solution to this problem must…
– Each person completes their list of 3 or four criteria separately
– This step follows the group definition of what the problem actually
is
– The group can see a written headline or summary of that agreed
upon definition while they work individually
– Each member prioritizes his or her list to select their top criteria
– The leader solicits a top-rated criterion from a member and asks if
anyone has a similar criterion – top-rated or not. The nominator
determines whether the suggested similar criterion is joined to the
original or mist stand alone as a variant
Generating Ideas
1. Search for ready-made problem solutions.
2. If a ready-made solution exists, apply it to the problem and evaluate its
success in eliminating the problem.
Guideline: If time is available and ready-made solution is not likely to solve
the problem, use CPS techniques; otherwise, use ready-made solutions.
3. If it is decided to use CPS techniques to generate problem solutions,
determine if individual or group procedures should be used.
Guideline: If time is available and acceptance of others is critical, use group
techniques; otherwise use individual techniques.
Arthur Van Gundy
Generating Ideas continued...
4. Select an individual or group idea generation technique.
a. Determine if the problem scope justifies the choice.
Guideline: Select techniques that are proportionate in complexity to problem scope.
b. Determine if implementation difficulty justifies the choice.
Guideline: Select techniques that will be proportionate in implementation difficulty to the
need to solve the problem.
b. Determine if there are any special training requirements.
Guideline: Select techniques that will be proportionate in training importance to the need
to solve the problem.
Arthur Van Gundy
Evaluating and Selecting Ideas
1. Determine if individual or group procedures should be used to evaluate and select
ideas.
Guideline: If time is available and acceptance of others is critical, use group
techniques; otherwise, use individual techniques.
2. Search for information to evaluate the solutions.
a. Evaluate resource availability.
Guideline: If the resources (time, information, money, personnel, et cetera) required to solve a
problem are not available and are not likely to be available in time to solve the problem, select
another solution.
b. Compare solutions with any pre-established solution criteria.
3. Select an individual or group evaluation and selection technique.
a. Determine if time is a critical factor.
b. Determine if implementation difficulty justifies the choice.
Arthur Van Gundy
Evaluating and Selecting Ideas continued…
4. If individual procedures are being used, generate and analyze potential solution
consequences, and select a tentative solution for implementation.
5. If group procedures are being used, determine if voting procedures are required.
Guideline: If there is likely to be an unresolvable conflict in regard to preferred
solution alternatives, use voting procedures; otherwise, try to select a solution using
consensus.
6. If voting procedures are required, use the amount of time available as one guideline
for selecting voting techniques.
7. Generate and analyze solution consequences and select a tentative solution for
implementation.
Arthur Van Gundy
Implementation
1. Implement the solution, when appropriate, using implementation techniques.
Guideline: If the solution is complex and requires close coordination of
events and activities, use PERT; if the solution is less complex, use RPDs; if
solution complexity does not justify the use of structured implementation
techniques, use a less complex approach (e.g., who will do what, where,
when, and how?).
2. Determine if a problem gap still exists.
3. If the gap has been eliminated or satisfactorily reduced, terminate the
process.
4. If the gap still exists, recycle to the pre-problem solving phase and begin the
process again.
Arthur Van Gundy
Problem solving frameworks
Polya 1973 PISA 2003/2012 ATC21S
Understand the
problem
Explore and
understand
Collect and share
information about the
collaborator and the task
Devise a plan Represent and
formulate
Check links and
relationships , organise
and categorize
information
Carry out the
plan
Plan and execute Rule use.. set up
procedures and strategies
to solve the problem
“If then..”
Look back and
check
Monitor and reflect Test hypotheses.. “what
if” and check process and
solutions

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Problem-Solving-Techniques-2015.pptx

  • 1. Ten Tools A collection of organizational and individual methods to aid effectiveness
  • 3. Ten Tools 1. Atom of Work 2. Gap Analysis 3. Difficult Conversations 4. Mental Maps 5. Advocacy versus Inquiry 6. Problem-solving Techniques 7. Team Effectiveness 8. Seven Influence Strategies 9. Feed Forward & Johari Window 10. Events of Instruction 3
  • 4. 4 How do I now what to do? How do I know how to get things done? How do I know where to spend my time? How do I add value?
  • 6. How do I… 6 • Know what to do? – Gap analysis – Sensemaking – Ideal-setting • Get things done? – Collaboration – Performance • Nurture and enhance relationships? – Collaboration – Communication • Develop myself? – Personal mastery – Gap Analysis – Sensemaking • Move people and their behavior from point A to point B? – Gap analysis – Influence – Performance • Lead teams to produce desired results? – Collaboration – Performance – Facilitation • Solve problems? – Sense making – Evaluation – Performance
  • 7. What Might You Gain From This Session? • Given a performance situation, you will – Demonstrate an understanding of a method of problem solving – Apply the method of problem solving to produce a accurate definition of the actual problem and its roots while also generating criteria that will inform solution generation and implementation • Define and redefine • Analyze • Generate Criteria for successful solution 7
  • 8. Session Date Competencies Atom of Work 2/24/15 Results orientation Relationship Mastery / People Skills Gap Analysis 3/18/15 Results orientation Market and Customer Orientation/ Insight Difficult Conversations 4/7/15 Results orientation Relationship Mastery / People Skills Mental Maps 5/28/15 Results orientation Relationship Mastery / People Skills Market and Customer Orientation/ Insight Learning Agility Advocacy versus Inquiry 6/23/15 Learning Agility Relationship Mastery / People Skills Problem Solving 7/29/15 Results orientation Market and Customer Orientation/ Insight Learning Agility Team Effectiveness 8/25/15 Results orientation Relationship Mastery / People Skills Seven Influence Strategies 9/29/15 Results orientation Relationship Mastery / People Skills FeedFoward and Johari Window 10/27/15 Relationship Mastery / People Skills Events of Instruction 11/30/14 Learning Agility (Bonus) Six steps 12/10/14 Extra day hold
  • 9. How Other Tools Fit With Problem-Solving What You Should Request
  • 10. ETS Success Six Connections Results Orientation Delivering on promises and commitments: Select the right actions to take Market Insight and Service Orientation Understanding how actions taken to address the “problem to be solved” work Learning Agility Learn from your setting of criteria for next problem Functional and Technical Acumen Can you perform your job? Making the highest quality decisions that allow you to do so
  • 11. Suggested List of “Top 35” Techniques REDEFINING PROBLEMS 3.01 Analogies 3.02 Boundary Examinations 3.05 Metaphors 3.06 Progressive Abstractions 3.07 Reversals 4.24 Synectics 7.05 Lateral Thinking ANALYZING PROBLEMS 3.11 Input-Output 3.13 Relevance Systems 7.06 Morphological Analysis 7.09 Kepner-Tregoe GENERATING IDEAS (INDIVIDUAL TECHNIQUES) 3.01 Analogies 3.06 Progressive Abstractions 3.07 Reversals 3.13 Relevance Systems 4.01 Attribute Listing 4.03 Checklists 4.04 Focused-Object 4.09 Relational Algorithms 7.05 Lateral Thinking 7.06 Morphological Analysis GENERATING IDEAS (GROUP TECHNIQUES) 4.10 Battelle-Bildmappen-Brainwriting 4.12 Classical Brainstorming 4.13 Collective Notebook 4.17 Gordon/Little 4.21 Semantic Intuition 4.23 Stimulus Analysis 4.24 Synectics 4.27 Visual Synectics 7.04 Creative Problem Solving 7.07 Delphi 7.10 Nominal Group Technique 7.12 Phases of Integrated Problem Solving EVALUATING AND SELECTING IDEAS 5.02 Battelle Method 5.04 Decision Balance Sheet 5.07 Idea Advocate 5.08 Panel Consensus 5.09 Reverse Brainstorming 5.11 SPAN Voting 5.13 Weighting Systems IMPLEMENTING IDEAS 6.01 Potential-Problem Analysis 6.03 Research Planning Diagrams Arthur Van Gundy
  • 13. Choice Design Intelligence Search for and analyze problem information Search for ready- made solutions Search for information to evaluate solutions Generate solution consequences Generate possible techniques select a tentative solution Generate alternative problem definitions Choose a problem definition Generate possible techniques State the problem Generate Solutions
  • 14. How do you know when you have a problem? • What conditions exist in order for you to label a situation a problem? • Take a few minutes to talk about those conditions and select a business problem upon which your team will practice today • Choose 2 or 3 to make sure you have one that survives our first test
  • 15. What constitutes a business problem? • What would you say? • The gap between a given current state of affairs and a future desired state?
  • 16. Remember Gap Analysis? 16 the tool to discern the difference between what you wanted to accomplish and what you are actually accomplishing and the causes of that disparity Look back at that tool
  • 17. You are aware that a problem might exist Does a problem GAP Exist? Is the gap measurable? Do you need to solve the problem? Are the required resources available? Is the problem within your sphere of influence? Terminate the problem-solving process N O N O N O N O A problem exists Determining if a problem exists Yes Yes Yes Yes N O
  • 18. Pre-Problem Solving The problem-solving stages and guidelines can be summarized as follows: 1. Determine if a gap exists between what is and what should be. – Guideline: If the costs of obtaining and verifying information about a problem gap are less than the costs associated with not solving a potential problem, assume that a problem gap exists. 2. Determine if the problem gap is measurable – Guideline: If valid and reliable measurement criteria are available, assume that a problem gap exists. 3. Determine if you need to solve the problem – Guideline: Will closing this problem gap likely satisfy some personal need or value of one’s self or significant others or will it add value to the organization in a way others would acknowledge? Or both? Or neither?
  • 19. Summary of the Problem-Solving Solving Pre-Problem Solving continued… 4. Assess resource availability – Guideline: If the resources (time, information, money, personnel, et cetera) required to solve the problem are not available and are not likely to be available in time to solve the problem, terminate the process. 5. Determine if the problem is within your sphere of influence – Guideline: Consult with others whenever their authorization or approval is needed to solve a problem. If required authorization or approval can not be obtained, terminate the process; otherwise, assume that the problem is within your sphere of influence. Arthur Van Gundy Where did you end up with your group’s chosen problem?
  • 20. It has been determined that a problem exists Search for problem information Is the problem ill structured? Redefine and analyze the problem Should others participate? Use group techniques search for Ready- made solutions Use individual techniques N O N O Select individual or group techniques Selecting individual and group techniques for redefining and analyzing problems Yes Yes
  • 21. Problem Definition and Analysis 1. Search for and analyze problem information. 2. Determine if the problem is ill-structured. Guideline: The more information known about the problem states and how to resolve the problem, the more structured the problem will be. 3. If the problem is not ill-structured, search for and evaluate the adequacy of ready-made solutions. 4. If the problem is ill-structured, determine if individual or group procedures should be used to redefine and analyze the problem. Guideline: If time is available and acceptance of others is critical, use group techniques; otherwise use individual techniques. (Exceptions: If time is available and acceptance is not critical, others could be involved for their own personal development or to provide additional sources of stimulation.) Arthur Van Gundy
  • 22. Problem Definition and Analysis continued… 5. Select one or more redefinitional and analytical techniques. Guideline: Use as many techniques as possible that can be justified by the available time and the importance of the problem. 6. Generate alternative problem definitions. 7. Select a tentative problem definition. Guideline: Use Conflict problem solving or CPS techniques in group situations if there is likely to be conflict over preferred definitions or in individual or group situations where there is a large number of equally attractive definitions. 8. State the problem definition decided upon. Arthur Van Gundy
  • 23. Defining the problem is critical to successful resolution
  • 24. Performance System: One way of defining the problem
  • 25.
  • 26. Now you know a problem exists and you have redefined it… What's next?
  • 27. Beware quick fixes: they may only address symptoms
  • 28. Battelle Method 1. Generate ideas using classical brainstorming 2. Develop culling criteria (low-cost screens) that can be answered with a yes or no response 3. Develop rating criteria (medium cost screens) that can be answered with a yes or no response 4. Develop scoring criteria (high cost screens) using quantitative or qualitative value ranges 5. Conduct an in-depth analysis of the surviving ideas and select the most promising ones
  • 29. Using Screens to Evaluate a Proposed Apartment Development • Culling screens – Is the area presently saturated with other similar units? – Is the present turnover rate of units less than 10%? – Is the population of the market area over 100,000? • Rating Screens – Can the required land be obtained? – Can the land be developed within estimated costs? – Is the proposed site within commuting distance of at least 30% of the market area? • [Set a minimum score; e.g., two out of three must be answered with 'yes' ] • Scoring Screens— “A development is a good bet if it promises that…” – … The likely return on investment is good – … The possibility of no cost overruns is good – … The projected growth rate of the market exceeds 10%
  • 30. Using Screens to Evaluate a Different Possible Solutions • Culling screens (Lowest cost in terms of the amount of information resources needed to answer the question) – The absolute essentials that any solution must provide, which can be answered by yes or no; e.g., fits our mission, is legal, other companies are not doing this yet, etc. • Rating Screens (Medium cost in terms of the amount of information resources needed to answer the question; Information is more difficult to obtain) • [Set a minimum score; e.g., two out of three must be answered with 'yes' ] • Scoring Screens (Highest cost in terms of the amount of information resources needed to answer the question; Information is most difficult to obtain) — “A Solution t is a good bet if it promises that…” • … [Make sure that your criteria do not exceed the magic number 7+ or -2]
  • 31. Generating Criteria for a Successful Solution • A solution to this problem must… – Each person completes their list of 3 or four criteria separately – This step follows the group definition of what the problem actually is – The group can see a written headline or summary of that agreed upon definition while they work individually – Each member prioritizes his or her list to select their top criteria – The leader solicits a top-rated criterion from a member and asks if anyone has a similar criterion – top-rated or not. The nominator determines whether the suggested similar criterion is joined to the original or mist stand alone as a variant
  • 32. Generating Criteria for a Successful Solution • A solution to this problem must… – Each person completes their list of 3 or four criteria separately – This step follows the group definition of what the problem actually is – The group can see a written headline or summary of that agreed upon definition while they work individually – Each member prioritizes his or her list to select their top criteria – The leader solicits a top-rated criterion from a member and asks if anyone has a similar criterion – top-rated or not. The nominator determines whether the suggested similar criterion is joined to the original or mist stand alone as a variant
  • 33. Scaling Criteria • You have 100 points to spend; make them represent your analysis if what conditions must exists if the solution is to be successful Irrelevant Want To Have Must Have 100 50 0
  • 34. Generating the Criteria Match? Moe Curly Larry Shemp Harry Put the top one here And ask for possible matches… Continue the process You move from ‘must have’ conditions… To ‘want to have’ conditions To one-off conditions that … should NOT be ignored.
  • 35. Generating the Criteria Match? Moe Curly Larry Shemp Harry ? Make money Increase revenue Increase net X Fit mission Fit mission Serve who we are X No new resources req’d Use existing resources Use people we have ? Innovative Move us to the next stage Not just focused on the present Create the future ? Generate ‘buzz’ Helps PR
  • 36. Weighting the Criteria Criteria Moe Curly Larry Shemp Harry Make money 90 70 50 50 30 Fit mission 0 10 10 20 40 Use existing resources 0 10 10 5 5 Create the future 0 5 20 20 25 Generate ‘buzz’ 10 5 10 5 0
  • 37. Does it work? • Whichever the approach, does the solution being evaluated solve the problem? This may sound obvious, but alternative solutions favored by a few members of a decision-making team have a way of lingering long after they been shown to be deficient. As a last resort ask the proponents of such a solution to explain:  How the available data supports their solution  What available research on a topic supports it?  How does it fit with what we know?  How does the solution work?  And finally, How does it solve our problem?
  • 38. Choice Design Intelligence Search for and analyze problem information Search for ready- made solutions Search for information to evaluate solutions Generate solution consequences Generate possible techniques select a tentative solution Generate alternative problem definitions Choose a problem definition Generate possible techniques State the problem Generate Solutions
  • 40. How will you use this tool? Where would I use this tool? How would I use this tool? What would I expect to get out of it?
  • 41. APPENDIX More frameworks for problem-solving
  • 42. Decomposable matrices • To apply this technique, consider a problem of how to improve employee satisfaction within an organization. Since most organizations generally are viewed as complex social systems with hierarchic structures, this problem can be broken down into different subsystems. For example, organizational, group, an individual. The components of each subsystem next are listed and arranged within a matrix. Weights are then assigned to each of the interactions, with higher numbers indicating greater frequencies of interaction or greater importance of the interactions. Based upon this matrix, the problem solver might want to concentrate on all of the interactions within subsystems, the small triangles created by the diagonal line, the pay particular attention to the interactions occurred between the group and individual subsystems, due to hire weightings given these interactions. Relationships between specific components that can be selected as the focus for generation of problem solutions or additional analysis.
  • 43. Relevance systems • Relevant systems represent a method of organizing information about a problem through successive refinements of major problem elements. As each element is listed, other elements are identified and connect with the preceding months until a pyramid like structure results. A common example of relevant systems is the formal organization chart. Top level managers are listed at the top and then connected by lines to progressively greater numbers of persons at lower organizational levels. This particular type of relevant system is comparatively easy to constructs is the problem is essentially well structured. It is more difficult, however, to construct a relevant system for ill structured problems due to the often unknown qualities of problem elements and constraints.
  • 44. Work-based learning connection • Work-based learning requires a new epistemology of practice that seeks to explore not just the explicit instructions and guidelines available in the workplace but also the tacit processes invoked personally by practitioners as they work through the problems of daily management. • Explicit knowledge is the familiar codified form that is transmittable in formal, systematic language. • Tacit knowledge is the component of knowledge that is not typically reportable because it is deeply rooted in action and involvement in a specific context (Polanyi, 1966).
  • 45. Work-based learning connection • In other words, although individuals may be knowledgeable in what they do, they may not have the facility to say what they know (Pleasants, 1996). Ryle (1945) made the distinction between "knowing how" and "knowing that." "Knowing how" represents the tacit dimension that often eludes our capacity to frame our action abstractly.
  • 46. Try Two Methods Analogies Model for Company
  • 47. Analogies • “An analogy is a statement about how objects, persons, or situations are similar in process or relationship to one another. • Analogies are reflected in statements of comparison such as: this organization operates like the military; the engine of this car runs like a fine Swiss watch. • The usefulness of analogies for redefining problems are generating ideas stems from their ability to create movement — a feature that gives analogies a "life" of their own. • For instance, analogies involving the gills of the fish or the poor status of a material both express movement that could be used to improve the design for an underwater breathing apparatus. By repeatedly relating such analogies to the problem and gradually developing the processes relationships, a new problem definition or solution could emerge.” – Van Gundy
  • 48. Strategy is an analogy
  • 50.
  • 51. How is the making of a test like the making of a car? How is a problem of taking too long for one part of the assembly of a test best understood through the analogy of a factory floor? Or not?
  • 52. Steps for using Analogies 1. State the problem 2. Think of an object, person, or situation and relate it to the problem in the form of an analogy 3. Progressively develop the analogy, translating it back to the original problem at each stage of development 4. Continue developing the analogy until a satisfactory definition of the problem is achieved
  • 53. Model for Company A Way To Look at Management Tendencies T.J. Elliott & Marty Leahy
  • 54. Where do you ‘go’ when faced with a challenge in your company? The thinking of individual employees The allocation and availability of resources The way things are organized The communication & culture There is no one right answer that fits all situations or managers
  • 55. Where do you ‘go’ when faced with a challenge in your company? • To the ‘thinking’ of individuals? – Do you want people to transcend managerial frames, the installed base of thinking --- those unquestioned conventions and unchallenged precedents based on what worked in the past? Do you want both learning and unlearning? – Do you call for more “Thinking outside the box” or “Working smarter, not harder”? Are you intrigued by the idea of a learning organization where people escape mental models, their unquestioned assumptions, attitudes, and beliefs? – Do you think it is about individual knowledge? Do you try to get at the paradigms of individuals? • Then your tendency is Think
  • 56. Where do you ‘go’ when faced with a challenge in your company? • To the resources that you could allocate or rearrange? – Do you focus on money, power, and information — the major material resources of the company? – Is your ‘default response’ to invest in new equipment or technology? – Do you have a very IT view of Knowledge management, being able to capture what your people know as a database? – Does it come down to financial resources? Would your answer be finding more money as compensation, as incentive, to seed a new market?? – Then your tendency is Resource
  • 57. Where do you ‘go’ when faced with a challenge in your company? • To the communication in the company? – Do you think that success hinges upon the trust, commitment, and spirit of its employees? – Is your ‘default response’ to talk — and listen — to involved employees to share points of view? Do you think it is important to make sure everyone is on the same page? – Do you spend time trying to engage employees, to make sure they are connected to the mission of their group or the company at large? Do you focus on inspiring people to do their best? – Do you believe that problems would lessen if you had a culture of service instilled among employees? – Then your tendency is Communicate
  • 58. Where do you ‘go’ when faced with a challenge in your company? • To the organization of things? – Do you look to flaws or deficits in policies an procedures? Would you concentrate on mapping out the process to see where tasks might be organized more efficiently? – Do you tend to focus on better organized work flow, e.g., install new procedures, systems, reassign responsibilities, to assure better customer service and product quality – Is the answer often found in establishing improved systems or methods for producing the service or product? – Then your tendency is Organize
  • 59. The value of this model is to help you reflect on the effectiveness of your typical response to challenges The thinking of individual employees The allocation and availability of resources The way things are organized The communication & culture Awareness of your tendency allows you to explore its fit for various situations
  • 60. 60 Think Communicate Resource Organize Model for Company Company © Martin J. Leahy Cavanaugh Leahy & Company 1995 Organization and Procedures Authority and Finances Values and Vision Attitudes and Beliefs Where do you see this problem?
  • 61. 61 Think Communicate Resource Organize Model for Company Company Organization and Procedures Authority and Finances Values and Vision Attitudes and Beliefs © Martin J. Leahy Cavanaugh Leahy & Company 1995 People Side Material Side
  • 62. 62 Think Communicate Resource Organize Company © Martin J. Leahy Cavanaugh Leahy & Company 1995 No areas are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. The Model offers a look at your preferences, at where you ‘go’ in defining or addressing situations.
  • 63. Think: The subjects in this quadrant • What’s in the individual minds of EEs, of leaders • Schema – Worldview (Weltanschauung) • Strategy: the choices we make during conditions of uncertainty • Attitude – Attitudes • Belief systems – Mottoes and Credos – Expectations of How Things Should Be • Self Interest / Self worth • Private Learning
  • 64. Resource: The subjects in this quadrant • Authority Distribution • Capital expenditures • Technology • $ • Intellectual Capital • M&A • Strategic alliances • Hardware/databases
  • 65. Communicate: The subjects in this quadrant • Communication – Listening, Sharing, Understanding • Collaboration Cooperation • Public Learning • Culture • Change Management • Values – Trust • Relationships Commitment Values Engagement Inspiration Norms Attitude Leadership
  • 66. Organize: The subjects in this quadrant • Systems • Methods • Policies & Procedures • Accountability • Rules • Processes • Quality Systems Methods Strategy Planning Workflows Metrics Roles
  • 67. 67 Think Communicate Resource Organize Company © Martin J. Leahy Cavanaugh Leahy & Company 1995 Discuss your group's problem using this model: consider how each of you view the problem at its essence. You may find that the problem touches on multiple dimensions, but try to prioritize and select that dimension which best describes the issues involved.
  • 68. 3 heuristic methods  These are NOT Algorithms - a step by step problem solution which guarantees an answer usually utilized for reproductive problem solving  They are Heuristics  an experimental and trial-and-error approach, that does not guarantee a solution, but may reduce search time. Typically these methods use means-ends analysis, sub- goal breakdowns, difference reduction, problem solving by analogy, and working backwards from the goal. Dietrich Dorner offers heuristics systems using trial and error to arrive at a solution by helping people to narrow their focus in problem solving. They include:  “Hill-climbing” in which you look only at the next action that can close the gap between your present and desired situations,  “Intermediate goals”, similar to trying to control the four central squares in a game of chess, in which you aim for middle stages that afford you a variety of options for what to do next  “Walking backward” in which you carefully define your end state and then those conditions and actions that will be necessary to make it come true. You focus only on those actions as you then “walk forward”. Alternately, you could employ “past performance” in which you do only what has worked in the past with this kind of situation. Dorner, Dietrich. (1996). The Logic of Failure, 157-158. New York: Metropolitan Books.
  • 69. Problem solving methods • These methods are not a guarantee of success. Indeed, the last is often associated with close- minded folly. They will, however, rescue you from the flaw of meandering from one consideration to another in your decision making
  • 70.
  • 71. Common Managerial Skills on the ‘People Side’ • Coaching • Communication – Listening – Dialogue skills • Establishing the informal culture; ‘way we do things around here’ – Model positive behaviors: Positive Reasoning – Provide a constructive environment – Communicate organizational priorities – Recognize and reward good work • Conflict Resolution
  • 72. She is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who has built a remarkably loyal employee base He has forged a reputation as a team builder who excels at revving up the troops The chain smoking, fast talking, funny man fuels their legendary esprit de corps Looks at every single line item on the budget, people are pretty amazed about the level of detail he gets into He is known for his brutal travel schedule packed with dawn to midnight meetings where he is the stickler for efficiency Led six years of cutting costs and reshaping the way the lumbering giant designs and builds cars Spends lavishly to win an even larger share of the global market High profile, helped engineer hostile takeover at XYZ company, always ready to invade a colleague’s turf; he is a poor manager, hirer, judge of people He wants nothing less than to rewrite the rules of the game; he is constantly lobbying Congress to change FCC laws constricting ownership of TV outlets and networks He is making a daring bid to transform the company from seeing itself as a collection of chemical and drug factories into a sleek life sciences concern He is looking for people who can come up with big bold new ideas… the kind that give birth to billion dollar brands… He is convinced these kinds of people are there among the 11,000, he sees his job as emancipating them The primary capital equipment is brain power, employees can start pursuing radically different strategies in an eye blink COMMUNICATE COMPANY THINK RESOURCE ORGANIZE Innovator Manager Deal Maker Coach
  • 73. Generating Criteria for a Successful Solution • A solution to this problem must… – Each person completes their list of 3 or four criteria separately – This step follows the group definition of what the problem actually is – The group can see a written headline or summary of that agreed upon definition while they work individually – Each member prioritizes his or her list to select their top criteria – The leader solicits a top-rated criterion from a member and asks if anyone has a similar criterion – top-rated or not. The nominator determines whether the suggested similar criterion is joined to the original or mist stand alone as a variant
  • 74. Generating Ideas 1. Search for ready-made problem solutions. 2. If a ready-made solution exists, apply it to the problem and evaluate its success in eliminating the problem. Guideline: If time is available and ready-made solution is not likely to solve the problem, use CPS techniques; otherwise, use ready-made solutions. 3. If it is decided to use CPS techniques to generate problem solutions, determine if individual or group procedures should be used. Guideline: If time is available and acceptance of others is critical, use group techniques; otherwise use individual techniques. Arthur Van Gundy
  • 75. Generating Ideas continued... 4. Select an individual or group idea generation technique. a. Determine if the problem scope justifies the choice. Guideline: Select techniques that are proportionate in complexity to problem scope. b. Determine if implementation difficulty justifies the choice. Guideline: Select techniques that will be proportionate in implementation difficulty to the need to solve the problem. b. Determine if there are any special training requirements. Guideline: Select techniques that will be proportionate in training importance to the need to solve the problem. Arthur Van Gundy
  • 76. Evaluating and Selecting Ideas 1. Determine if individual or group procedures should be used to evaluate and select ideas. Guideline: If time is available and acceptance of others is critical, use group techniques; otherwise, use individual techniques. 2. Search for information to evaluate the solutions. a. Evaluate resource availability. Guideline: If the resources (time, information, money, personnel, et cetera) required to solve a problem are not available and are not likely to be available in time to solve the problem, select another solution. b. Compare solutions with any pre-established solution criteria. 3. Select an individual or group evaluation and selection technique. a. Determine if time is a critical factor. b. Determine if implementation difficulty justifies the choice. Arthur Van Gundy
  • 77. Evaluating and Selecting Ideas continued… 4. If individual procedures are being used, generate and analyze potential solution consequences, and select a tentative solution for implementation. 5. If group procedures are being used, determine if voting procedures are required. Guideline: If there is likely to be an unresolvable conflict in regard to preferred solution alternatives, use voting procedures; otherwise, try to select a solution using consensus. 6. If voting procedures are required, use the amount of time available as one guideline for selecting voting techniques. 7. Generate and analyze solution consequences and select a tentative solution for implementation. Arthur Van Gundy
  • 78. Implementation 1. Implement the solution, when appropriate, using implementation techniques. Guideline: If the solution is complex and requires close coordination of events and activities, use PERT; if the solution is less complex, use RPDs; if solution complexity does not justify the use of structured implementation techniques, use a less complex approach (e.g., who will do what, where, when, and how?). 2. Determine if a problem gap still exists. 3. If the gap has been eliminated or satisfactorily reduced, terminate the process. 4. If the gap still exists, recycle to the pre-problem solving phase and begin the process again. Arthur Van Gundy
  • 79. Problem solving frameworks Polya 1973 PISA 2003/2012 ATC21S Understand the problem Explore and understand Collect and share information about the collaborator and the task Devise a plan Represent and formulate Check links and relationships , organise and categorize information Carry out the plan Plan and execute Rule use.. set up procedures and strategies to solve the problem “If then..” Look back and check Monitor and reflect Test hypotheses.. “what if” and check process and solutions