Decision Making and Problem Solving Training
Decision Making and Problem Solving Training
To a large degree, the quality of your life is based upon two abilities.
- Your ability to make good decisions.
- Your ability to solve the problems that face you.
If, whenever you need to make a decision, you always make the right decision, then your life would be wonderful.
If you always made the wrong decision, your life would be woeful.
Problem Solving
Whenever you are facing a problem, if you can quickly analyse the problem to discover its causes, and solutions, then your progress would be rapid and continuous. But if you were gaining problems faster than you could solve them, then your progress would be slow. You may even regress.
If you want things to improve the best way is to improve your ability to make good decisions and solve problems.
There are three problem solving methods and four decision making methods you need to know.
1. Problem cause solution analysis
All problems have causes. And all causes suggest possible solutions. You need to master the art of problem cause solution mapping. (Please note that causes of problems are in the past, so this is a retrospective exercise).
2. Problem Implication countermeasure
Most problems have implications: meaning if you have problem 1 that might be the trigger for a future problem 2, 3, and 4. Problems have implications and, therefore, you need to project forward in time, and think about the countermeasures that you could instigate NOW to prevent problem 1 from multiplying itself; like a virus.
3. Creative problem solving
The previous two methods of problem solving are logical analytical step-by-step thinking.
Creative problem solving is less methodical. It is intuitive, a leap of imagination. Eureka moment!
This type of problem solving has many names: creative thinking, thinking outside the box, Blue sky thinking, brainstorming. It is the kind of creative problem solving that can be made to happen if you set the conditions correctly, and if you have the right people in the right mood.
Decision Making
A decision is the act of selecting one option from more than one option. A good decision is the act of selecting the best option from more than one option.
If you can, always select the best option from those available then you will do very well for yourself!
There are fundamentally four kinds of decision you need to master.
1 The 'Yes' or 'No'? Decision
The world if full of yes or no decisions. Should you launch the rocket or not? There often is no half way house middle of the road compromise. YOU cannot 'sort of' launch the rocket. It either goes full on, or not at all. Many decisions are BINARY decision. Yes or no?
Yes/No Widget
Check out our Yes/No widget which can help you make this type of decision.
2 Which One / What Kind?
If you are going to get one, you need to decide, which one / what kind? The "which one /what kind" decision comes-up, practically every day.
- Which one, what kind of computer system should we invest in?
- Which one, what kind of vehicle would be best?
- Which one should we buy?
Which One/What Kind App
We have written a handy which one/what kind app to help you make this type of decision.
3 Prioritisation by Value
You need to decide to prioritise by reference to value. You often need to take a number of items and decide which is most important, which is second, which is third, etc.
For example in daily time management you need to decide, what is the most valuable use of my time right now? What job do I need to do first?
Prioritisation App
To help you prioritise your To Do List, we have developed a great prioritisation app called 'WhatsNext?' You can prioritise your tasks easily, check off the ones you've done, have different lists for business and personal stuff.
3 Prioritisation by Logical Sequence
Not only is prioritisation putting things into value order, it can also mean putting things into their logical sequence. Most things have a "proper sequence". If you do all right things, but you are doing them in the wrong order, then you may be making a colossal mistake. So you need to have two ways of thinking about making priority decisions,
- Prioritising by value.
- Prioritising by logical sequence.
These two forms of prioritisation have distinct modes of thinking. Each one has their own method. And each one needs to be known, understood, mastered and utilised.
Summary
When you are faced with a situation, you need to classify what kind of situation you are facing, then use the mode of thinking that is appropriate to that class of problem.
The seven classes of thinking are:
- Problem cause solution.
- Problem implication solution.
- Creative problem solving.
- Yes / No decisions.
- Which one / what kind decision.
- Periodization by value.
- Prioritisation by logical sequence.
If you would like some training on these modes of problems solving and decision making, please call me on 01452 856091.
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Definition: Problem–Cause–Solution Analysis
Problem–Cause–Solution Analysis is a business process that fixes issues by stating the problem, tracing its root causes, linking each cause to a practical cure, and acting on the best cure so the issue ends and does not return. It relies on facts, not guesses, and works best when done soon after the fault shows.
Show CG4D Definition
- Begins with a clear, present-tense statement of the problem
- Tracks back through evidence to find every root cause
- Pairs each cause with at least one realistic solution
- Selects, applies and reviews the best solution to remove the issue for good
Article Summary
Better choices and faster fixes flow from clear thinking: learn seven simple methods that map causes, spot risks, spark ideas and guide you to the best action every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is problem-cause-solution analysis?
How can I stop one issue breeding more problems?
What does creative problem solving involve?
When is a yes or no decision best?
How do I decide which option to choose?
What does priority by value mean?
Why do logical sequence steps matter?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
LinkedIn Learning’s 2024 Workplace Learning Report finds that 54% of learning leaders name critical thinking and problem solving as their organisation’s most in-demand skill set. PwC’s 27th Annual UK CEO Survey 2024 shows that 69% of chief executives plan to boost investment in data-driven decision-making training over the next three years.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Decision Making and Problem Solving
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How to Overcome Procrastination
Overcome procrastination with the Mind over Mood method: train the rational brain, adopt smart time-management habits and use a clear action plan to act today.
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The Law of Diminishing Returns
Learn how the law of diminishing returns guides time management. Spot the 80-20 sweet spot, avoid wasted effort and keep work, exercise and money balanced.
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Key Steps to Better Decisions
Learn evidence-based steps for better decisions. Gather facts, test ideas, weigh risks, review feedback and adapt to change for ethical, confident decision mak
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How Rational Thinking is the Key to Success
Learn how rational thinking and logical reasoning help you align with natural laws, remove contradictions and reach lasting success at work and in life.
Read Article > -
How To Solve Problems
Learn a proven 10-step problem solving method that tames fear, gathers facts, sets clear plans and tracks results. Boost critical thinking at work or home.
Read Article >
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