There are six steps to effective problem solving. The first step is to define the needs. State your need using I messages. Listen to other person’s needs using active listening techniques. Then identify the needs.
The second step is to generate ideas/solutions. Encourage the other person’s contributions. Then give your own solutions. Use brainstorming to generate a good list of solutions.
The third step is to evaluate the solutions. Decide if the solution suggestions are acceptable or not. Always be on the look-out for nonverbal cues.
Step four is to decide on mutually acceptable solution(s). It is always important to restate the needs and solutions decided upon.
Step five is to implement the solutions you decided on. Answering these questions is important: Who - What - When - Where - Where
Step six is follow-up. Set a time to check how the solution is working. Be willing to adjust the solution or redefine needs if necessary.
The benefits of effective problem solving are numerous. Everyone will have more motivation and self discipline to honor and implement the solution. When people are given a voice in making a decision, they are more motivated to carry it out than if a decision is imposed on them.
Power plays no part in the effective problem solving. It calls for "What is the best solution?" as opposed to "Who has the most power?" The effective problem solving method honors each person's right to have freedom.
Remember the 20% -- 80% Philosophy. It states that we often spend 80% of our time and energy focusing on the 20% of any situation that seems negative to us. We then lose sight of the 80% that is positive. Stay focused on the full 100% and you will become an efficient problem solver.
Blessings,
Carol A. Deel
2007 Copyright by Carol A. Deel, MS, LCPC, LCMFT, All Rights Reserved. No part of this may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
Dealing Effectively With Criticism
Don’t mind criticism! If it is untrue, disregard it. If it is unfair, ignore it. If it is justified, learn from it. If it is mean spirited, decide if it is beneficial to be in relationship with this person.
It is important to understand that criticism is an inevitable part of life. No one can please everyone all of the time. Don’t take criticism personally. Constructive criticism is generally directed at situations and behaviors, rather than directly at the person.
If the person’s motives are honorable, take the criticism in the spirit in which it was offered. Think of it as feedback that will provide you with growth opportunities, learn from it and improve yourself. Try not to argue with the person who criticizes you. Such arguments rarely solve anything. Ask questions that will help clarify the situation.
Generally it is not a good idea to offer criticism unless it is absolutely essential. If a person asks for your opinion, take your time before answering. Rushed answers don’t always come out the way you want them to. Be honest. Use the sandwich theory of offering you opinion: Say something positive, Say the negative or non positive thing and then say something positive again.
Hearing criticism about ourselves is often times difficult. My encouragement to you is to think of criticism at a Personal Growth Workshop, you will definitely learn something from what is being said. When someone criticizes you, take a moment and reflect on the words spoken and the ones you will speak, then respond.
Blessings,
Carol
2007 Copyright by Carol A. Deel, MS, LCPC, LCMFT, All Rights Reserved. No part of this may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner.
It is important to understand that criticism is an inevitable part of life. No one can please everyone all of the time. Don’t take criticism personally. Constructive criticism is generally directed at situations and behaviors, rather than directly at the person.
If the person’s motives are honorable, take the criticism in the spirit in which it was offered. Think of it as feedback that will provide you with growth opportunities, learn from it and improve yourself. Try not to argue with the person who criticizes you. Such arguments rarely solve anything. Ask questions that will help clarify the situation.
Generally it is not a good idea to offer criticism unless it is absolutely essential. If a person asks for your opinion, take your time before answering. Rushed answers don’t always come out the way you want them to. Be honest. Use the sandwich theory of offering you opinion: Say something positive, Say the negative or non positive thing and then say something positive again.
Hearing criticism about ourselves is often times difficult. My encouragement to you is to think of criticism at a Personal Growth Workshop, you will definitely learn something from what is being said. When someone criticizes you, take a moment and reflect on the words spoken and the ones you will speak, then respond.
Blessings,
Carol
2007 Copyright by Carol A. Deel, MS, LCPC, LCMFT, All Rights Reserved. No part of this may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner.
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