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Problem Solving

This document discusses problem solving techniques. It outlines the steps to problem solving as: [1] defining the problem, [2] identifying the goal, [3] exploring various strategies, [4] anticipating outcomes, and [5] executing and analyzing. It also discusses the Six Thinking Hats method for analyzing problems from different perspectives represented by colored hats. Some extra problem solving attributes discussed are decision making, time management, stress management, questioning ability, and learning from experience. The document emphasizes covering all perspectives when problem solving and not rushing the process.

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George Mathew
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39 views24 pages

Problem Solving

This document discusses problem solving techniques. It outlines the steps to problem solving as: [1] defining the problem, [2] identifying the goal, [3] exploring various strategies, [4] anticipating outcomes, and [5] executing and analyzing. It also discusses the Six Thinking Hats method for analyzing problems from different perspectives represented by colored hats. Some extra problem solving attributes discussed are decision making, time management, stress management, questioning ability, and learning from experience. The document emphasizes covering all perspectives when problem solving and not rushing the process.

Uploaded by

George Mathew
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PROBLEM SOLVING

Analysis, techniques and steps to follow

George Mathew Pappady


An Overview
● Steps involved in problem solving
● Techniques to follow
● Six thinking hats
● Extra attributes
Intro
What do you think of first you hear ‘problem solving’? Probably……..

● But honestly, problem solving is a


basic life skill.
● We solve problems everyday
(mostly unknowingly)
● There isn’t a right way to solve a
problem, different people may find
different solutions for the same
problem.
Problem solving
refers to any activity
or group of
activities that seek
to resolve obstacles
by proceeding in an
orderly fashion.
STEPS IN PROBLEM SOLVING
1.Define The Problem

A problem well put is half solved.


― John Dewey

Before you can solve a problem, seek to understand it fully.

The first step to problem solving define what the


problem actually is.
Clarify the Problem
Define your goal

● What is the ultimate aim you wish to achieve by solving the problem

● Important to decide the direction of the solving process

● Consider time, constraints, and other factors


Explore possible ● Brainstorm various ideas

strategies
● Create a list of possible solutions to
choose from
● The goals, constraints and interests
must be constantly re analysed
● Every possible strategy must be
● tried before we take a decision.
● Each option will have pros and

Anticipation Of
cons, and it’s important you list
all of these
Outcomes ● Narrow down your options

● Requires planning and execution


Learning through Retrospection

● Key for all the possible and further progress.


● It helps to understand the mistake we made and learn from the
past experiences.
● This helps in adopting the most suitable strategy in future.
Recap of the steps

1.Define The Problem


2.Identify your goal
3.Explore various strategies
4.Anticipate each outcome
5.Execute and analyse
Six Thinking Hats
The Six Thinking Hats method was put forward by Edward de Bono. This
method helps us analyze and structure our thought process.

According to de Bono, we are capable of different thinking styles.


These styles are represented by imaginary hats, each hat with different
colour.

Let's go through them


The White Hat

● It is the hat of facts and data.


● When wearing a mental white hat, we must
focus on analysing the available data and
infer the information from them.
● E.g. There are hundred varieties of animals
in this zoo.
The Red Hat

● It is the hat of feelings and emotions.


● When wearing a red mental hat, we are
free to focus on insights, anxieties,
feelings, etc.
● E.g. I feel worried about their safety.
The Blue Hat

● It is the hat of process control.


● When wearing the blue hat, it is about the
thought process itself that we think. The blue
hat initiates the discussion and controls its
flow.
● E.g. How are we planning to market this
product?
The Yellow Hat

● It is the hat of optimism and positivity.


● The benefits, feasibility, positive assets, etc
are evaluated in this.
● E.g. Such low product cost will raise profit.
The Green Hat

● It is the hat of creativity.


● We are encouraged to go beyond the
limits we set for ourselves.
● Think out of the box
The Black Hat

● It is the hat of caution and critical thinking.


● The black hat is important for decision
making.
● It should be used moderately.
Recap
Few extra attributes

● Decision making ● Questioning ability


● Time management ● Planning ahead
● Stress management ● Learning from past experience
● Different perspectives ● Understanding self progress
Conclusion
● It is important that you take each problem in the right sense
● You'll learn to be quicker and better at it through experience.
● Be the person who can handle tough situations, in a wise and positive way.
● Cover all perspectives
● Don't rush it.
● Happy problem solving! :)
References

https://www.ktunotes.in/life-skills-notes/
https://hr.uiowa.edu/development/organizational-development/lean/8-step-problem-solving-process
https://www.wrike.com/blog/problem-solving-techniques/
https://www.humorthatworks.com/learning/5-steps-of-problem-solving/
https://credentials.deakin.edu.au/problem-solving-techniques-steps-and-methods/
https://harappa.education/harappa-diaries/six-thinking-hats
Thank
you!

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