Problem Solving

When problem solving, you may recognize that you were working on a symptom instead of the problem. An analysis of the more clearly defined problem may require an alteration to the objectives or the ideal solution. These reviews and changes are costly in terms of time and effort which emphasizes the need for rigid scrutiny during the initial problem definition to avoid wasted time and effort. Once implementation begins, it is even more difficult to learn that the entire action plan and subsequent efforts were based on symptoms in lieu of authentic problems.

The following five-questions should be asked before taking any definite action: What solutions are available? What solution has priority? What are available resources? What are existing obstacles? What are side effects (Budget & People i.e. public relations -- work structure/schedule -- resistance to change)?

There needs to be a systematic procedure to surface the activities necessary to accomplish the solution recommended. Once the activities are labeled, the duties or tasks to complete the activity can be assigned to specific individuals who then become responsible for their completion. It is useful for the manager to obtain approval of the recipient, for the task assignment and obtain agreement on a completion date for the task/activity. Each of the steps and tasks is assigned and completion dates are established. As the action agenda becomes more complex the importance of accountability becomes more significant. If tasks are assigned without a structure which notifies the manager that tasks are not completed on due dates, there will be a break down in the entire plan.

Copyright AE Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Encouraging Behavior That Gets Results

You're the boss, and you have every reason to feel... Read More

Managing Motivation

"Without the chance to meaningfully participate in steering one's own... Read More

Downsizing in Organisations - The Real Truth

I've met and worked with many people in all sectors... Read More

Six Honest Business Friends - They Guide Me In All I Do

SIX "HONEST BUSINESS FRIENDS" - THEY GUIDE ME IN ALL... Read More

Managing Creativity

Creativity Starts Here!The ability of an organisation to create new... Read More

Retaining An Expert -- What Every Business Owner Needs To Know

As an entrepreneur, hiring an expert can be one of... Read More

How Managers Can Help Retain Their Best Employees

A major problem for employers today is attracting the best... Read More

Sending Documents Through Email? Dont Get Burned by Metadata!

During a recent seminar I gave located in the suburbs... Read More

Outsourcing NOT Just for Big Business

Outsourcing has become a controversial issue and a hot topic... Read More

Preparation: Your Companys Best Defense in Case of Catastrophe

You've hung out your shingle and are ready for business.... Read More

Firing Someone Without Resentment

Firing, sacking, letting go or terminating people is unpleasant. There... Read More

An Original Perspective on Waging Conflict as a Way to Promote and Restore Self-dignity

Conflict is a fact of life for all of us,... Read More

Use Noncompete Agreements To Protect Your Business

Q: One of my former employees has launched an online... Read More

Profits and Business Success - 5 Profit Traps to Watch Out For

The old saying 'You have to spend money to make... Read More

Ten Relationship Traits And Skills For Good Leadership

An important aspect of good leadership is the ability to... Read More

Understanding Every Aspect of Your Organization

GET TO KNOW YOUR ORGANIZATION: If you don't understand an... Read More

Pricing Strategy for Retail Flower Shops

When you create your profit and loss statement to assess... Read More

The 20/60/20 Rule Of Leadership. Dont Go Solving The Wrong Problems

Several decades ago, a passenger jet approached a Florida airport... Read More

To Thine Own Self Be True--Its Better for Business: What Arthur Andersen Would Say to His Company

As a child, you probably heard, "to thine own self... Read More

Déjà Vu MCI to Qwest International Inc: Can this Corporate Marriage Survive?

Current Situation:As of this writing, the MCI Board of Governors... Read More

Agendas Make Meetings Productive

Having an agenda template that works well for you, week... Read More

Business Intelligence & Data Warehousing in a Business Perspective

Business IntelligenceBusiness Intelligence has become a very important activity in... Read More

Do You Really Care What People Think?

You had better care! Because what people think usually leads... Read More

Ten Steps to Take the Work out of Work ? Replicate Yourself!

They say that management can be a lonely place. A... Read More

Top 5 Services Your Company?s Accounting Department Should Outsource

Accounting is one area which every company has to maintain... Read More

Time Management Tips for Managers

Late last year I was presenting a workshop for the... Read More

Are you NICE or do you CARE?

Are you NICE or do you CARE? ... Read More

Help Your Employees Prepare for a Performance Appraisal

PREPARING EMPLOYEES FOR THE PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL INTERVIEWS: Remind employees to... Read More

Writing and Revising Your Life Story

Change is not simple. Why do we repeat behavior that... Read More

In Leadership, The Critical Convergence Drives Great Results

The Leader's Fallacy lives! We subscribe to the Fallacy when... Read More

Problem-Solving Success Tip: Test Your Assumptions About Everything

Test your assumptions about everything.Assumptions have a way of creeping... Read More

The ?Better People? Fallacy

It's easy enough to convince your own staff that better... Read More

The Ivory Tower Syndrome

"His cardinal mistake is that he isolates himself, and allows... Read More