THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM:
When problem solving, you may recognize that you were working on a symptom instead
of the problem. An analysis of the more clearly defined problem may require an alteration
to the objectives or the ideal solution. These reviews and changes are costly in
terms of time and effort which emphasizes the need for rigid scrutiny during the initial
problem definition to avoid wasted time and effort. Once implementation begins, it is even
more difficult to learn that the entire action plan and subsequent efforts were based on
symptoms in lieu of authentic problems.
GROUP DECISION-MAKING:
Many managers feel they are well-versed in areas of group effort, such as problem-solving,
goal-setting, and action planning. Frequently, however, the implementation of such techniques
never seem to get beyond the initial stage. Often, this is because managers can not quite
seem to understand that brainstorming or group decision-making requires comprehensive
utilization of various processes. Managers may unknowingly find themselves perpetuating
problems instead of solving them.
PROBLEM SOLVING: When entering
into problem-solving to remember that it is unlikely that
the best solution will be found on the first attempt. Good
problem-solving can be viewed as working like a guidance system:
The awareness of the problem is an indication of being "off
course", requiring a correction in direction. The exact form
the correction is to take is what problem-solving is aimed
at deciding. But once the correction (the implemented solution)
is made, it is possible that, after evaluation, it will prove
to be erroneous-perhaps even throwing you even more off course
than in the beginning. If this happens, the task then becomes
to immediately compute what new course will be effective.
Several course corrections may be necessary before getting
back on track to where you want to go. Still, once the desired
course is attained, careful monitoring is required to avoid
drifting off course again unknowingly. Viewing problem-solving
in this realistic manner can save a lot of frustration that
comes from expecting it to always produce the right answers.
Copyright A.E. Schwartz & Associates, all rights reserved.
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