Problem Situations:

*Eliminate an unwanted situation
*Obtain an improved situation

Types of Problems:

**People - the most difficult to solve
**Equipment/Procedure - Ex: The office computer network is frequently off-line.
**Financial - Worker productivity is too low in relation to the wages paid.

Steps to Making Decisions:

1. Verify that a problem actually exists

2. Clearly and Accurately State the Problem
Focus on the Main Issue(s)
Decide If and Which Person or Persons Are Involved

3. Gather the Facts

Note: There are sources to help you gather information. Some of them are:

a. Brainstorming - using creative thinking to find ideas.
b. Group discussions with people affected by the problem.
c. Distribute an information survey to gather specific responses.
d. Conduct personal interviews with people affected by the problem.

What happened?
When did something happen?
Where did something happen?
Why did something happen?

4. Organize and Make Sense of the Facts

What do I need to do to solve the problem?
Did this problem occur because of a personality conflict?
Has this problem been solved before? How? By Whom?
How much time is available to solve this problem?
Do I need money to solve this problem?
Do I need someone's advice to solve this problem?
Will the solution result in a lawsuit?
Does the solution mean eliminating equipment, personnel, or a procedure?

5. Select the "best fit" solution as a result of asking the above questions.

6. Implement the solution

7. Follow-up and evaluate whether the solution worked as planned.