2. “There are no problems, only
opportunities”
A problem stuck in the middle
of your way, by using logical
problem solving and decision
making system will create
opportunities from this
problem.
3. The biggest problem solving mistake is
dealing with the symptoms of a problem
rather than its root causes.
4. By taking the steps of systematic
problem solving and decision-
making you can prevent problems
from recurring.
5. Occurs when there is a difference between
one’s desired State and Actual State is
sufficient to activate the decision process.
Desired State is the way a person
would like for a need to be met.
Actual State is the way a need is being
met/unmet at a particular point in time.
12. Definitions: You will learn to
accurately define the real
problem avoid solving
symptoms.
Solutions: you can implement
once-and-for all solutions
instead of temporary band-
aid fixes.
Decisions: The decisions you
make will be good decisions
that can be implemented and
that will stick.
13. Meetings: Your meetings will reflect
productive problem solving and decision-
making.
Buying-in: You will learn to obtain buy-in
from conflicting viewpoints to help define
problems, reach decisions, clarify solutions
and implement action plans.
Teamwork: You will enjoy effective
teamwork between differing
individuals and groups while
solving problems.
14. Personal Expectations Worksheet
What problem Situations would
1
you like to correct?
What difficult decisions do you
2
need to work through logically?
Which recurring Problems and
3 decisions would like to resolve
once and for all?
Which of your Problem Solving
4 and Decision Making skills would
you like to improve?
15. Understand the steps of the problem solving
system
Know how to use analytical techniques of
problem solving
Recognize the vital role of communication in
problem solving
Know what questions to use to stimulate
discussion of problem
Understand the anatomy of problems and
why they persist
16. Understand how to confront problems to
prevent future stress
Know how to distinguish between the causes
and effects of problems
Know how to label a problem to facilitate
discussion and analysis
Know how to find the real root cause of the
problem
17. Know how to brainstorm alternative or
optional solutions
Know how to decide on most workable
solution or strategy
Understand the importance of action planning
to implement solution
Know how to apply the problem solving
system when problems occur
18. Personal Learning Contract
Check Your
Item
Commitment
1. I plan to be more logical, analytical, creative, and systematic in solving
problems and making decisions.
2. I want to take steps to ensure I find the "real problem" before beginning to
solve it.
3. I am willing to involve others affected by the problem in the solution
process in order to promote support and teamwork.
4. I am willing to work through the exercises in this course, do my best to
relate them to the problem to be solved and then implement my solutions.
5. I will mange my time so I can concentrate on learning the skills presented
in the Course by without distraction or interruption.
6. I intend to use what I learn and consciously put it into practice.
Agreement: I want to receive maximum benefit from this Course by
carrying out this learning contract
Name: ………………………… Signature: …………………………
Date: ………………………..
19. Student Definition of the Term "Problem"
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20. Problem characteristics checklist
1- Incomplete Conversation have broken down
communication or have not even been started so
that full understanding is lacking
2- Unknowns Information is missing
3- Inaccurate Some of the information is wrong
Information
4-Confusion People involved to find
themselves in a mental fog,
stressed ….
5-Hidden Emerging feelings tend to come
emotions out as you examine the situation
Different view You & other have conflicting
points ideas
21. A problem is
basically a dilemma
Undesirable situation without a decision
Question cant be answered
Something that cant be fixed no matter what you do
Something that cant be explained
A conflict or crisis that appears no matter what you do about
it
An idea opposed by a counter idea
An force opposed by a counter force
An goal opposed by a counter goal
22. A small company, which develops & sells new products based
on technology. They have an extremely successful product;
“Automatic toothbrush” which was invented by the
engineering department.
Engineering managers want to introduce the new
development right away, but the manufacturing manager has
encountered problems by producing the new components. In
addition to the quality manager who is trying to figure out the
cause of the problem.
The marketing manager is urging in producing the product,
but the finance manager is worried of making this huge
inventory an obsolete if it was launched directly to the
market.
Meeting was done, led to a quickly deteriorate into heated
arguments without any decision.
23. I- Define the problem
II- Decide how to solve it
The ideal method of resolving problems and
making difficult decisions through these 2
steps.
24. Problem Definition Process Results
1. Recognition Agreement that an
Discuss & document individual views, facts, & issue needs
relevant symptoms, until everyone involved resolution.
accepts that there is a problem.
2. Label An agreed-upon
Clearly document both sides of the exact conflict statement of the
you want to resolve. problem.
3. Analysis Unanimous
Find & agree on the single fundamental sources identification of the
of the problem. root cause which
needs
recommendation.
25. Solution Decision Making Process Results
4.Options A complete list of possible
List all the alternative strategies solutions.
that have slightest chance of
resolving the problem & its root
cause.
5. Decision-Making A firm. joint decision on the
Choose the best solution in your chosen solution.
list by objectively evaluating the
optional strategies.
6. Action Plan A complete step-by-step map to
Organize systematic steps of translate the decision to reality.
tasks, timing, staff, 7 resources to
implement the decision in the real
world.
26. Submitted to : Dr. Wajdi Naaman
Prepared by: : Suhail Adel
Ali atwah
Karen Zeinab
