problem solving

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2015/05/08

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A SIX STEP PROCEESS

BY ZANDISIWE MBAWULI

THE SIX STEPS – SUMMARISED

2. Analyse the problem

3. Weigh the pros and cons of possible solutions 4. Select and

plan solution 5. Implement

solution 6. Evaluate

solution 1. Identify

the problem

2015/05/08 Zandisiwe Mbawuli g15m3830

Introduction

• Young or old , we all have problems , yes even you !

• And no one else’s problems are more important or serious than yours to you .

• But how do you solve these problems ?

• Where do you even start ?

Is this you ?

Take it one step at a time

• BREATHE , there is hope !

• Just like there are many ways to skin a cat , there are also a number of ways to tackle life’s problems.

• The six step problem solving model is one example of how problems can be solved in a consistent and precise way .

• The model consists of the following steps : Identifying the problem , analysing the problem , weighing the pros and con of possible solutions ,select and plan the solution ,implement it and evaluate .

Getting started

Identifying the problem

• You can’t solve a problem if you don’t know that you even have a problem !

• This may sound easy but at times we don't want to admit that we have a problem because we’ve got such big egos !

• No one wants to be seen as weak or incapable .

The bigger picture

ANALYSE the problem

• Is it really a problem or just a minor hiccup in your plans ?

• We are emotional beings!

• Most of the times our emotions get tied up into the way we view things in our lives and how we perceive the effect these things will have on us .

• Don’t let your emotions get the better of you !

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2015/05/08

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Action and reaction

Weigh the pros and cons of solutions

• Come up with a list of possible ways to solve your problem

• Evaluate the possible consequences or outcomes of each solution

• Look at whether the effects will be beneficial to you or not

• Essentially check if you can “afford” to solve the problem in that way!

Plan , plan , plan !

Select and plan the solution

• based on your pros and cons list from the previous step , pick the solution that will be best for the problem

• Choose one that will solve the problem with least effort

• Planning is key ! Think of how you will go about using your chosen solution , what you will need or need to give up , etc..

Action speaks louder than words

Implement the solution

• After choosing your ideal solution , put into action .

• Follow all the ways that you had planned to implement the solution that you ended up choosing

• Don’t procrastinate , do it now !

Is the problem solved ?

Evaluate

• When you have put your plan into action , see if you get the desired results

• Is your solution solving the problem ?

• If not try and figure out why and how to possibly improve it

• If the solution is in fact not the solution , go back to your list and choose another one

YES you can !

CONCLUTION

• Solving problems is not only a shrink’s job !

• You can solve your own problems by simply tackling them in a systematic and concise way

• And its OK to be wrong or to need help .

• Just take it one step at a time