The document discusses problem solving and outlines the key steps in the problem solving process. It defines a problem as a situation someone wants to change. The problem solving process involves three stages: defining the problem and issues, generating and evaluating ideas to find solutions, and analyzing the impact of solutions and planning follow through actions. Effective problem solving requires using both left brain logical thinking and right brain intuitive thinking. The principles of interpersonal problem solving include making eye contact, using polite language, keeping discussions light with humor, and focusing on solutions rather than blame.

1. PROBLEM-SOLVING
Presented by
Ms. Florina G. Don-Santos

2. OUTLINE
I. Definition of Term
II. The Problem-Solving Process
III. Principles of Interpersonal Problem Solving
IV. Effective Problem Solving

3. DEFINITION OF TERM
WHAT IS A PROBLEM?
- It is a situation you want to change.

4. THE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS
STAGE ONE Define the
Starting Issue(s)
Define the Problem Analyze the
Situation
Objectives:
1. To analyze the facts.
2. To define the problem
Understand the Issues

5. THE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS
STAGE TWO
Generate Ideas
Make Decisions Evaluate Ideas
Objectives:
1. To generate ideas.
2. To evaluate ideas.
3. To decide on the best possible solution
Find Solutions

6. THE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS
STAGE THREE
Analyze the Impact
Plan the Follow-through
Plan Your Action
Objectives:
1. To determine the impact on people and systems.
2. To build on action plan.
3. To decide on follow-through.
Plan Your Action

7. PRINCIPLES OF INTERPERSONAL
PROBLEM-SOLVING
1. Presenting yourself
• Eye Contact
• Good voice
2. I-talk
• Convey displeasure
• Unhappiness about the situation
3. The Mary Poppins Rule
“A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down”.
• Polite language
4. The Comic Parry (or keep it light)
• Use of humor and wit in problem situations

8. EFFECTIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING
• Left Brain
• Right Brain

9. EFFECTIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING
Left Brain
• Follows a logical pattern
• Is objective, rather than subjective
• Views time chronologically, minute by
minute, hour by hour
• Sees things as true or false, black or white
• Seeks the detail, sees the trees rather than
the forest
• Houses short-term memory
• Thinks critically, perhaps negatively, asks
“why?”.

10. EFFECTIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING
Right Brain
• Follows intuitive hunches
• Creates patterns, without following a step-
by-step process
• Is subjective, rather than objective
• Views time in a total sense – a lifetime,
career, project
• Sees the forest, rather than the trees
• Thinks positively, unconstrained by
preconceived ideas
• Asks “why not?”, breaks rules

11. PROBLEM-SOLVING
“HE WHO OWNS THE PROBLEM IS
THE SOLUTION”
Thank you!

12. PROBLEM-SOLVING
References
Levine, Marvin. Effective problem solving. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey:
Prentice Hall, c 1988.
Quinlivan-Hall, David and Peter Renner. In search of solutions: sixty ways
to guide your problem-solving group. Vancouver, Canada: Training
Associates Limited, 1990.