Problem-Solving Skills

Overview

Problem-Solving Skills focuses on eliminating corporate problems. Approaches to problem solving are defined, along with traits of good problem solvers and the company cultures that influence them. The course focuses on the three phases of problem solving and breaks each phase into steps. Strategies are provided for individual problem solvers and problem-solving teams. This course is intended for business professionals or managers who would like to learn problem-solving techniques for a corporate environment. In this course, you will gain adaptable, specific tools for corporate problem solving. You will: • Identify problem-solving principles and barriers. • Describe the impact of corporate culture on problem solving. • Analyze a problem to approach it effectively. • Generate potential solutions using creative and logical processes. • Carry out and evaluate your solution. • Build problem-solving teams through effective leadership.

Syllabus

Problem-Solving Basics

Eliminating problems lets you save your organization time and money, improve its operation, and create a happier work environment. To begin solving problems, you should define what problem solving means and identify factors that help or hinder the process.

Corporate Problem Solving

To develop problem-solving skills, it helps to understand your corporate context. Who are the problem solvers around you? How does company culture affect your options? Answering these questions lets you apply a formal process for problem solving that respects the uniqueness of each organization and problem.

Identifying and Analyzing Problems

In the next few lessons of this course, you will gain tools for completing each phase of the problem-solving process. You will not need every strategy to solve every problem. Consider them as tools in your toolbox.

Committing to a Solution

After you have identified a problem and set its solution criteria, you are ready for phase 2 of the problem-solving process. This is where you bring your resources to bear on finding the best solution.

Solving the Problem

Phase 3 of the problem-solving process is where you make real changes and correct the problem. To do so in an organization, you will need to convince others of the solution you have chosen, carry it out, and in some way measure your success.

Problem-Solving Teams

Tackling complex problems is often a group effort. You will need to build constructive teams that apply the problem-solving process with a collaborative approach.