By: Kevin Polk, Ph.D.

Copyright Kevin L. Polk, Ph.D., All Right Reserved

Many groups have trouble with problem solving at one time or another. If you know the steps of good problem solving, you can quickly see how groups get off track. We probably get off track because problem solving is generally not part of our basic education. The good news is that a very good way of problem solving has been known for over twenty years. Learn how to use it with your group and see the success and satisfaction of the group grow by leaps and bounds.

In the 1970's two psychologists, Goldfreid and Davidson, went out and interviewed successful people to find out how they solved problems. They found successful people did the following:

1. They have an attitude that problems are just part of life and there to be solved.

2. They take the time to define and describe a problem thoroughly before coming up with ideas to solve it.

3. Only after defining the problem do they brainstorm solutions..

4. They then choose a solution by taking their brainstorm list and address the pros and cons of each idea..

5. Then they try the solution and see if it worked. If it does not work to full satisfaction, they go back to step one and do the steps again.

Using this model you can quickly see where many groups fail at good problem solving. Most groups jump right into coming up with solutions and evaluating each solution as it comes up. The result is that one or two solutions get discussed, and one is chosen. Since the problem was not defined, it is likely the solution does not match the problem.

Watch this process in the next "Discussion" meeting you are in. Almost always the discussion will focus on solutions. One solution gets said and people immediately evaluate it. Finally someone brings up another problem. So then multiple problems and solutions are being discussed and evaluated. What a mess.

The better way is to follow the five steps of effective problem-solving. Begin with step one and check everyone's attitude. Then go about defining and describing the problem. This is where something you probably learned in Jr. High will come in handy: Almost every question we can ask about something starts with Who, What, When, Where, How or Why. Use these to jump start describing the problem, e.g., Whose problem is it? When is it a problem? What do you think about the problem? There are hundreds of possibilities that will help the group collectively understand the problem. Spend plenty of time on this step because it is time well spent.

With defining done the group is ready for brainstorming. You probably hear this term a lot, but it is seldom done well. Good brainstormers write down every idea and don't evaluate them until later. This is how to "think outside the box." This is also the hardest thing for a group to do. Almost everyone has the bad habit of wanting to say what we think of an idea as soon as we hear it. As a group facilitator you need to stop this when it happens. As a matter of fact, get the rest of the group to help you stop it. Do it and the group will be rewarded with some great ideas.

Now the group is ready to go to steps four and five. These are relatively easy because they are the steps that groups tend to rush into doing anyway. But remember, if a solution does not work, go back to step one and check the groups' attitude, then do steps two through five again. You will be glad you did.