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

Project – Program New U.S. EmbassyArising Problem - Getting Out

Baghdad 2005

• 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 3 ActivityPlan &

Assignment

STEP 4Execute

The Plan

STEP 5Project

Closeout

STEP 2Activity

List

• 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

Indecision

Stalling

Overreacting

Vacillating

Half measures

Barriers to effective Problem Solving

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

most importantfactors

success

stepsaction

information

EACH STEP DEMANDS DECISIONS

Conclusion - FAQsBullet 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