Problem solving is thinking. Problems may be simple or complicated, but as long as intellectual function in determining the solution is involved, it only comes to show that a cognitive process was utilized.
It is an artificial intelligence that roots from the state that is already present working on to the state that is desired. The method of solving the problem involves finding the problem and shaping the problem.
There are various ways on how to approach a problem in order to solve it. It all depends on the nature of the problem as well as the people that are involved. The more rational and traditional approach is by clarifying the problems that are present and analyzing the roots on why the problem became present. Then the alternatives on how to resolve it are identified.
After all these have been done, the individual chooses one solution and implements it. Then he evaluates whether the problem is resolved or not.
Another procedure to resolve problems is the appreciative inquiry. In this approach, the individual claims that the problems are the roots of a phenomenon that is something more complicated than the problem at-hand. When determined which is which, appreciative inquiry also resolves the situation from the past that triggered the problem at the present.
As what is mentioned above, activities that are used to solve problems and to make decisions are interconnected. Therefore problem solving and decision making are two topics that go hand in hand.
In business, supervisors and managers invest so much time and effort on solving problems that arise in the regulation of the company before they make decisions. They know that each decision is rooted from a problem and by making one can have an effect on the whole business.
Consequently, whenever supervisors and managers encounter problems, they react depending on how they see the situation. It may be easy to attack it in such a way that will only involve that problem, but since this is a business, they expect the problem to occur again if they resorted to a wrong decision.
So if you think about it, getting paid big bucks when you’re a supervisor or a manager of a company has its setbacks. You will always be “under the gun” meaning you are constantly stressed and should always be up on your toes whenever a problem is right in front of you.
But problems are not concrete. These can be solved. Here are steps on how to do so.
1. Define the problem.
Do not struggle at this point. If you do so early on, you wouldn’t be in the right state of mind to come up with the solution. What you can do instead is to ask yourself (and others) these questions:
- what is the root of the problem? How is this happening and how does it affect the whole company?
By defining, verifying and understanding the problem, you can picture what the root is and work from there.
2. Uncover the causes for the problem
You may be surprised to discover that you do not know everything. Therefore, in this procedure, you have to gather the input from everyone who also notice the problem and are affected by it.
After gathering all the input that you need, you can write down their suggestions on how to solve the problem.
3. Identify the approaches on how to solve the problem
Two heads are better than one. Since this is a business, it helps to have people around you who can also pitch in solutions for the betterment of the company. This is also when you study whether the solution you came up with your team was able to eradicate the problem. If not, then you can try another approach.
About the Author:
Mario Churchill makes it quicker and easier for you to create profitable business ideas, develop your marketing strategy or start brainstorming on any topic. For a free trial, please visit http://www.ideacenter.com.
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