PROBLEM SOLVING TRAINING
This skill is useful for conflict resolution between couples or parent-adolescents, decision making for impulsive or indecisive/procrastinating individuals, and resolving many other issues.
Step 1: Define the Problem. The rest of the steps hinge around the problem definition, so it is important to have it worded correctly. Sometimes, the problem definition needs to be changed as the process moves along, because it becomes clear what the problem actually is as solutions are discussed.
Step 2: Brainstorm solutions. During this phase, it is mandatory that nobody make evaluative statements about the solutions (e.g., that won’t work because…), as this stifles the creative process. I like to see at least 10 solutions generated. Some can be ridiculous or outrageous solutions, since that can lend humor to the process and can encourage participants to “think outside the box.” You can suggest some solutions, but most should come from the participants.
Step 3: Discuss pros and cons: Each solution generated in step 3 is discussed in terms of the following:
a)Will it solve the problem as defined in step 1?
b)What are possible drawbacks to this solution?
c)What are the possible benefits to this solution?
To help participants get away from “black & white thinking,” point out some drawbacks to the most positive solutions and some benefits to the most negative solutions. Encourage them to really examine both sides of each solution.
Step 4: Rate each solution: For each solution generated in step 3, each participant rates the solution as ++, +, -, --, to indicate how well it would solve the problem and the whether the pros outweigh the cons. Ratings of each participant are added together and the solution or solutions with the highest scores are selected for implementation. Many times, a combination of more than one solution is decided to be the best solution rather than one alone.
Step 5: Develop the implementation and evaluation plan. This phase involves detailing the “who, what, when, where, how” terms of implementing the solution. It should be very detailed and clear, including a scheduled meeting date to evaluate how effective the plan is. During the follow up meeting, the plan may need modifications or, in some cases, rejected and a new problem solving session conducted to identify new solutions.