Problem-Solving Process-2

Problem-Solving Process-2

Setting Goals,Mind mapping (Look at alternatives)&Selecting the best solution

Setting Goals

Having explored and analyzed the problem,  individuals should be able

to write a goal statement that focuses on what is the successful end of the process.

Making and writing down a goal statement:

• helps them to clarify the direction to take in solving the problem; and

• gives them something definite to focus on

That is, what will occur as a result of the solution? This whole process is about closing

or fixing the gap between the problem and the goal. Writing down the problem ensures

that they are not side-tracking from, but addressing the problem.

 

Mind mapping (Look at alternatives)

Now that the problem has been analyzed, the individual can

begin to develop possible solutions. This is a creative as well as practical step where

every possible solution is identified. They should identify the various alternative solutions

available to them through such techniques as –

• Analysis of past solutions

• Reading

• Researching

• Thinking

• Asking Questions

• Discussing

• Viewing the problem with fresh eyes

• Brainstorming

• Sleeping on it

The idea is to collect as many alternative solutions as possible.

Mind mapping is another technique that can be used for identifying alternative

solutions. Developed by Tony Buzan in the 1970’s, mind mapping uses pictures and/

or word phrases to organize and develop thoughts in a non-linear fashion. It helps

people “see” a problem and its solution. Here’s how to do mind mapping:

Take a sheet of plain paper and turn it sideways (if using flipchart paper you

don’t need to turn it sideways - it is large enough); Using colored felt pens, draw

a small picture (or write a phrase) in the centre of the paper representing the

issue you want to solve; Draw lines out from the main problem (it helps to use

different colors for each line).

• Each line should represent a different aspect of your problem or issue;

• Write down what each line represents either on top of or on the line;

• Add other lines flowing off these main lines;

• Write a word or short phrase on the smaller lines indicating what each new line

represents (you may find that mind mapping works best for you if you write down

the phrases or draw the images first and then connect them with the lines); and

• If you want, add images next to your main line that illustrate what each line means

to you (some people think better with pictures, others with words).

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Selecting the best solution

Now that there are a wide variety of possible solutions,

it is time to select the best solution to fix the problem, given the circumstances, resources

and other considerations. Here the  individuals are trying to figure out exactly what would

work best given the nature of the problem. There are always a number of things that

can affect a solution, for instance, money, time, people, procedures, policies, rules,

and so on. All of these factors must be thought about.  Individual should prioritise the

solutions by their effectiveness. This is a slow process of elimination. There may be

some possible suggestions that are immediately eliminated. Eventually,  individuals

should narrow down the choices to one best possible solution which will promise the

best or optimal outcomes.