Problem Solving and Decision Making

Problem Solving and Decision Making Ben Lilly

Objectives Learn a systematic problem solving process Understand the relationship between Problem Solving and Project Planning Learn a Decision Making Process Put into action the skills the principles you have learned Practice Team Work Have fun

Systematic Problem Solving Describe the problem Gather Information Determine the most important factors that contribute to the problem Visualize what success looks like Create action steps that will lead to success

Baghdad 2005 Project – Program New U.S. Embassy Arising Problem - Getting Out

Describe the problem • Gather Information • Determine the most important factors • that contribute to the problem • Visualize what success looks like • Create action steps that will lead to success

Project Planning Recap STEP 1 Project Overview STEP 2 Activity List STEP 3 Activity Plan & Assignment STEP 4 Execute The Plan STEP 5 Project Closeout • Goals and Objectives • Tasks • Responsibilities • WORK!!! • Compare Goals to Outcome

The Five Steps of: Project Planning Project Overview Activity List Activity Plan & Assignments Execute the Plan Project Closeout Problem Solving Describe the problem Gather information Determine the most important factors that contribute to the problem Visualize what success looks like Create action steps that will lead to success

Barriers to effective Problem Solving Indecision Stalling Overreacting Vacillating Half measures

Advantages of Systematically Solving Problems It’s a time-saver Teams will solve problems quickly and efficiently Utilizing the five steps will increase odd of success

Systematic Problem Solving Describe the problem Gather Information Determine the most important factors that contribute to the problem Visualize what success looks like Create action steps that will lead to success EACH STEP DEMANDS DECISIONS

Decisions, Decisions…

Decision Making Brainstorming Encourage all to participate – every idea is valuable Think outside the box Beyond the obvious Agree at the outset not to be critical of the ideas of others Piggyback Ideas – build on the ideas of others Remember the past… Have you solved a similar problem (team or other group) No need to reinvent the wheel

Decision Making Consensus Discussion results in an agreement without a vote Potential solutions are assessed and evaluated to make sure that they align with the vision of success Must agree to abide by the group decision Multivoting With many potential solutions this can help reduce the list to a manageable size Each member has equal votes Cast votes – total scores, repeat as needed…

Decision Making Parking Lot • Allows you to table a part of a discussion if not directly related to the immediate problem • Acknowledge as a group that the item is not immediately relevant • Allows all members to feel that their ideas are/will be heard • Write a brief description of issue/thought – ensure that the item is captured in enough detail to return to the discussion FOLLOW-UP!!

Review: Five Steps of Problem Solving Describe the ___________ Gather _______________ Determine the ______ ____________ ___________that contribute to the problem Visualize what __________ looks like Create _______ _______ that will lead to success problem information most important factors success action steps EACH STEP DEMANDS DECISIONS

Conclusion - FAQs • Bullet Proof Vest • How much does it weigh? • 35-40 pounds • What’s it like to wear one? • Imagine strapping a Cub scout • Or Two Tigers to your body

Problem Solving and Decision Making