Problem Solving and
Decision Making
Ben Lilly
Objectives
• Learn a systematic problem solving
process
• Understand the relationship between
Problem Solving and Project Planning
• Learn a Decision Making Process
• Put into action the skills the principles
you have learned
• Practice Team Work
• Have fun
Systematic Problem Solving
• Describe the problem
• Gather Information
• Determine the most important factors that
contribute to the problem
• Visualize what success looks like
• Create action steps that will lead to success
Baghdad 2005
Project – Program New U.S. Embassy
Arising Problem Getting Out
• Describe the problem
• Gather Information
• Determine the most
important factors
that contribute to the
problem
• Visualize what success
looks like
• Create action steps
that will lead to
success
Project Planning Recap
STEP 1
Project
Overview
•
•
•
•
•
STEP 2
Activity
List
STEP 3
Activity
Plan &
Assignment
STEP 4
Execute
The
Plan
Goals and Objectives
Tasks
Responsibilities
WORK!!!
Compare Goals to Outcome
STEP 5
Project
Closeout
The Five Steps of:
• Project Planning
• Project Overview
• Activity List
• Activity Plan &
Assignments
• Execute the Plan
• Project Closeout
• Problem Solving
• Describe the problem
• Gather information
• Determine the most
important factors that
contribute to the
problem
• Visualize what success
looks like
• Create action steps that
will lead to success
Barriers to effective
Problem Solving
Indecision
Stalling
Overreacting
Vacillating
Half measures
Advantages of Systematically
Solving Problems
• It’s a time-saver
• Teams will solve problems quickly and
efficiently
• Utilizing the five steps will increase odd of
success
Systematic Problem Solving
• Describe the problem
• Gather Information
• Determine the most important factors that
contribute to the problem
• Visualize what success looks like
• Create action steps that will lead to success
EACH STEP DEMANDS DECISIONS
Decisions, Decisions…
Decision Making
Brainstorming
• Encourage all to participate – every idea is valuable
• Think outside the box
• Beyond the obvious
• Agree at the outset not to be critical of the ideas of others
• Piggyback Ideas – build on the ideas of others
• Remember the past…
• Have you solved a similar problem (team or other group)
• No need to reinvent the wheel
Decision Making
Consensus
• Discussion results in an agreement without a vote
• Potential solutions are assessed and evaluated to
make sure that they align with the vision of success
• Must agree to abide by the group decision
Multivoting
• With many potential solutions this can help reduce the
list to a manageable size
• Each member has equal votes
• Cast votes – total scores, repeat as needed…
Decision Making
Parking Lot
• Allows you to table a part of a discussion if not directly
related to the immediate problem
• Acknowledge as a group that the item is not
immediately relevant
• Allows all members to feel that their ideas are/will be
heard
• Write a brief description of issue/thought – ensure that
the item is captured in enough detail to return to the
discussion
FOLLOW-UP!!
Review: Five Steps of
Problem Solving
problem
• Describe the ___________
information
• Gather _______________
most ____________
important
• Determine the ______
factors
___________that
contribute to the
problem
success
• Visualize what __________
looks like
action
steps that will lead to
• Create _______
_______
success
EACH STEP
DEMANDS DECISIONS
Conclusion - FAQs
Bullet Proof Vest
• How much does it weigh?
• 35-40 pounds
• What’s it like to wear one?
• Imagine strapping a Cub
scout
• Or Two Tigers to your body