A Holistic, Systematic and Rational Approach to Problem Solving & Decision Making

Decision making and problem solving usually come hand in hand. Often, decisions need to be made because there are issues and problems to be resolved.

In a research done with 100 CEOs in the United States, solving operational problems was rated as number 2 in terms of importance in a list of characteristics of a leader. This demonstrates how crucial problem solving is.

Companies depend on middle management and frontline team members to fundamentally eliminate and fix problems. Their ability to think through problems, objectively analyze and solve them will have a direct impact on company quality, service levels as well as profitability.

This workshop provides a holistic, systematic and rational approach to problem solving and decision making based a better understanding of the issue and clarity of facts.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Use Pareto Analysis to prioritize problems and impact of problems
• Recognize the difference between problem and symptoms
• Apply a holistic, systematic and rational approach to problem solving - (HSR Framework)
• Derive solutions based on concrete information that fundamentally solve the problem

DESIGNED FOR

• Supervisors and Managers
• Executives and Staff Positions
• Anyone interested in self-development

CONTENTS
Problems, Problems, Problems …..

• Limited Resources but Unending Problems
• Which Problems to Choose?
• Use Pareto Analysis to Prioritize
• Data Collection, Analysis, Charting and Decision Making

Holistic, Systematic and Rational Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Understand the Situation from Multiple Perspectives
• The Importance of Lateral Thinking
• Integrate Lateral and Vertical Thinking
• Differentiate between Problem and Symptom
• Recognize and Framing the Problem Correctly
• Correct Framing of Problem Leads to Appropriate Solution
• Specify the Deviation
• Identify the Cause and Effect
• Generate Options
• Compare Options and Assess Possible Adverse Consequences
• Make the Right Decisions, Follow up and Follow through

Simulation Exercise with Case Studies

• Skills Practices