Problem Solving in Groups

1
Problem Solving in Groups

• SFF Project Workshop
• 11.30-1.00pm 2nd April, 2003
• Acknowledgement
• http//ctb.lsi.ukans.edu/
• Community Toolbox, Bringing Solutions to Light,
  University of Kansas

2
Introduction

• What is a problem?
• the difference between what is, and what might or
  should be.
• What is problem solving?
• "an individual or collaborative process composed
  of two different skills (1) to analyse a
  situation accurately, (2) to make a good
  decision based on that analysis."

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Collaborative problem solving

• Why collaborative problem solving?
• -problems challenges faced as members of our
  organisations often affect everyone in the group
• -When working with more than just a few people,
  solving a problem with a set process becomes more
  manageable.
• -It raises ownership of commitment to the
  solution increases group satisfaction.

4
The Problem Solving Process

• 1. Running effective meetings
• 2. Developing facilitation skills
• 3. Developing recorder skills
• 4. Defining analysing the problem
• 5. Generating choosing solutions
• 6. Putting the solutions into practice

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Defining Analysing the problem- Clarifying the
problem

• 1. Start with what you know
• 2. Decide what information is missing
• 3. Gather information on the problem.
• 4. Define the problem.
• (see tool 1- Deciding on a Problem Statement)

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Defining Analysing the problem- Deciding to
solve the problem

• Some criteria to help your decision.
• The problem
• occurs frequently. (frequency)
• has lasted for a while. (duration)
• affects many people. (scope, or range)
• is disturbing, and possibly intense -disruptive
  of personal or community life . (severity)
• deprives people of legal or moral rights.
  (legality)
• is perceived as a problem. (perception)
• Also consider
• Feasability? Are you best placed to solve it?Any
  possible negative impacts?

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Defining Analysing the problem- Choosing among
problems

• List the problems you are facing, to what
  extent they meet the criteria (frequency,
  duration etc). It's hard to assign numerical
  values for something like this, because for each
  situation, one of the criteria may strongly
  outweigh the others. However, just having all of
  the information in front of the group can help
  the decision making process.
• (See tool 2- deciding to solve the problem
  choosing between problems)

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Defining Analysing the problem- Analysing the
problem

• Why analyse the problem?
• To better identify what the problem or issue
  is....
• To understand what is at the heart of a
  problem....
• To determine the barriers and resources
  associated with addressing the problem.
• To develop the best action steps for addressing
  the problem.

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Defining Analysing the problem- Analysing the
problem

• The group should be led through a process of
  understanding every aspect of the problem by
  answering questions such as
• WHAT is the problem? (start with problem
  statement)
• WHY does the problem exist? (see tool 3
  analysing the problem- why does the problem
  exist)
• WHO is causing the problem, and who is affected
  by it?
• WHEN did the problem first occur, or when did it
  become significant? Is this a new problem or an
  old one?
• HOW MUCH, or to what extent, is this problem
  occurring? How many people are affected by the
  problem? How significant is it?

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Generating choosing solutions

• Strategies may include
• Round the room (verbal)
• Round the room (written)
• Idea writing
• Brainstorming
• (see tool 4, generating choosing solutions)

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Generating choosing solutions Comparing
solutions

• 1. For each idea, list
• What you like about it
• What you don't like it
• What the side effects might be
• 2. Ask the following questions
• Is it practical?
• Is it effective?
• Is it cost effective?
• Will it be easy to put into practice? Will
  it be accepted by everyone involved? Is it
  consistent with other things done by the group?
• 3. Modify the solution you are looking at, if
  suggestions have come up that can improve it.
• (see tool 5, Comparing solutions)

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Generating choosing solutions -Making a
decision

• When it comes to how to make a decision, you can
• 1. Have someone decide, then announce the
  decision to the group
• 2. Gather input from individuals/the group then
  have one person decide.
• 3. Vote
• 4. Try to build consensus among everyone at the
  meeting
• (see tool 6 Deciding on a solution)

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The Next Step..

• Having worked through this process, the obvious
  next step is to implement the chosen
  solutionand of course, to evaluate it!
• Good Luck!