| Problem solving and decision making are key in | | | | the various elements of the problem. Finally, the leader |
| determining how well and how far you advance in an | | | | of the team gives a sweeping statement defining the |
| organization. It is obvious that an individual will not have | | | | problem under discussion arrived at by a concerted |
| all the answers and all the solutions to an organization's | | | | effort. The gravity of this step in stressed by the fact |
| problems. It is however, vital that an individual possess | | | | that failure to define the correct problem will result in |
| the necessary problem solving skills to address each | | | | solutions that do not handle the problem at hand. |
| issue that they come across. | | | | Gathering facts: After the problem has been clearly |
| Problem solving is defined as the process of | | | | defined, factors surrounding the contentious situation |
| addressing a problematic situation in a structured | | | | are discussed within the team in order to define the |
| manner in order to come up with the most appropriate | | | | scope of the solution. The team considers the urgency |
| feasible solution. It is an important facet of | | | | of the problem in order to draw up an effective time |
| management and leadership where a structured | | | | table for discussion. It also considers the weightiness of |
| procedure is applied to come up with a list of options, | | | | the problem in order to decide the appropriate attention |
| analyze the results and decide the optimal fit. | | | | to give to the different aspects, and consider what |
| Decision making is the process of choosing among a | | | | resources are available toward the solution. |
| number of alternatives in order to come up with the | | | | Brainstorming solutions: The team members then |
| best option that effectively caters for the problem at | | | | volunteer their opinions of the possible solutions to the |
| hand. This process is based on a logical criteria | | | | problems that they are facing. The team leader |
| selected depending on the problem under | | | | carefully takes note of the solutions while endeavoring |
| consideration. Problems generally have several | | | | to draw each member into the discussion to contribute |
| solutions that might be considered to address each | | | | and articulate their sentiments. |
| particular case; therefore a decision has to be made | | | | Decision making: This step involves an analysis of the |
| regarding which path to adopt. | | | | solutions presented in order to reach a consensus of |
| Four step decision making process | | | | the best possible package that effectively addresses |
| Among the numerous procedures that exist in the | | | | the problem. |
| decision making process, the four step decision making | | | | Application of analyzing skills |
| process is most widely applauded. This is a decision | | | | A structured technique is applied to determine the best |
| making process that adopts the criteria of dividing the | | | | solution based on a comparison between merits and |
| activity into four basic tasks. These activities are: | | | | demerits of all solutions offered. The analysis technique |
| Problem definition: The first and most important part of | | | | adopted is based on weighting the pros and cons of |
| the decision making process entails understanding and | | | | each solution. In this method, members of the team list |
| clarifying the issue under contention. It involves a | | | | the advantages and disadvantages of each solution |
| cursory presentation of the impending situation to a | | | | against each other and collectively choose one |
| team that in turn brainstorms to give a breakdown of | | | | carrying the best quality. |