People Skills Slide Master

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Engineering Futures
Engineering Futures
Analytical Problem Solving
Analytical Problem Solving
Shannon Willems, MA A, 94
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What We Are Going To Cover Analytical Problem
Solving Agenda

• The problem solving model
• Brainstorming
• Creative thinking
• List reduction and decision making

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The Engineering FuturesCurriculum Modules

• The People Skills 1-4
• Solving Interpersonal Problems
• Team Chartering 1-2
• Working in Teams
• Group Process 1-2
• Managing Meetings
• Analytical Problem Solving 1-3
• Generating and Evaluating Ideas

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Feedback to Improve Engineering Futures

• Pass out evaluation sheets
• Please consider today
• the strong points of the materials
• how the materials can be improved
• the facilitators strengths
• how the facilitator can improve

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Definition of a Problem

• When what is observed is different from what is
  expected

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The Problem Solving Process

• Define the problem
• Determine the root cause
• Determine the best solution
• Generate an implementation plan
• Evaluate the success of the solution

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The Problem Solving ProcessEXAMPLE

• Define the problem Your little sister (3rd
  grade) is not doing well at math
• Determine the root cause
• Determine the best solution
• Generate an implementation plan
• Evaluate the success of the solution

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Generating and Evaluating
Broad
Broad
Evaluate (Decide)
Generate (Identify)
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Rules for Brainstorming

• 1. Strive for quantity
• 2. Strive for variety
• 3. Dont criticize!

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Brainstorming 1 --Exercise 2

• In one minute, have a recorder write down as many
  things as you can that fit the following
  description
• Sounds at work

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Brainstorming 1 --Exercise 3

• In one minute, have a recorder write down as many
  things as you can that fit the following
  description
• Things found at a work station

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Brainstorming 1 --Exercise 7

• In one minute, have a recorder write down as many
  things as you can that fit the following
  description
• The ten most commonly used English words

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Brainstorming 1 --Exercise 1

• In two minutes, have a recorder write down as
  many things as you can that fit the following
  description
• Non-monetary rewards for an exceptional employee

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Rut Busting Puzzle 1

• Whats the next letter above and below the line?
• A EF HI KLMN
• BCD G J OP

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Rut Busting Puzzle 4

• What do the following words have in common?
• thirsty crabcake definite
• calmness coughing canopy
• hijack

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Uses for a Brick
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Rules for Brainstorming

• 1. Strive for quantity
• 2. Strive for variety
• 3. Dont criticize!

• To fill an existing category, think vertically

• To create new categories, think laterally

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Rut Busting Exercise --Uses for JELL-O

• In teams, identify as many uses as you can think
  of for JELL-O in either powder form or gelled.
• You have 5 minutes.

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Brainstorming 2 --Exercise 1

• In 7 minutes, write down as many things as you
  can that fit the description below
• Spend part of your time developing categories
• Things sold at a garage sale

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Brainstorming 2 --Exercise 5

• In 7 minutes, write down as many things as you
  can that fit the description below
• Spend part of your time developing categories
• Mothers Day gifts

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Brainstorming 2 --Exercise 3

• In 7 minutes, write down as many things as you
  can that fit the description below
• Spend part of your time developing categories
• Things under the bathroom sink

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Brainstorming 2 --Exercise 2

• In 7 minutes, write down as many things as you
  can that fit the description below
• Spend part of your time developing categories
• Things at a fast-food restaurant

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Brainstorming 2 --Exercise 8

• In 7 minutes, write down as many things as you
  can that fit the description below
• Spend part of your time developing categories
• Smells in a supermarket

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Brainstorming 2 --Exercise 6

• In 7 minutes, write down as many things as you
  can that fit the description below
• Spend part of your time developing categories
• Things at a baseball game

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Evaluation Steps --List Reduction

• Clarify each item
• Determine selection criteria
• Vote to remove non-controversial items
• Discuss the vital few options
• Use consensus to make the final selection

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The Fuzzbuster Test

• What do we expect?
• What do we observe?
• Focus on facts, not conclusions
• Develop quantifiable measures

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Selection CriteriaExample - Restaurants

• Speed of service Location Ambience
• Quality of food Wine list Price
• Long wait? Cuisine Taste of food
• Clientele Parking Friendliness

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Selection CriteriaExample - General

• Importance Time
• Control Resources
• Difficulty Return on Investment

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Consensus
Consensus does NOT meanunanimous or total
agreement

• Does everyone accept the decision?
• Is the decision unacceptable to anyone?
• Can everyone support the decision?

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The Consensus Seeking Process

• Revisit the selection criteria
• Add criteria, if necessary
• Consider other options
• Dont let people champion different options

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Steps in MakingClear Transitions

• Check to see if everyone is ready to move off of
  current step
• Suggest the next step to move to
• Check to see if time needs to be spent on the
  proposed step

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DECIDE to Make a Decision

• D - Define the objective of the decision
• E - Establish characteristics of your perfect
  choice
• C - Choose options to consider
• I - Impartially assess the options against the
  criteria
• D - Determine the best option
• E - Evaluate possible consequences of your choice

C R. Pierce 1998
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Decision Making Worksheet
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Exercise Instructions -- List Reduction

• Identify criteria based on identified objective
• Follow evaluation steps to reduce the list of
  possible answers
• Write down your answers

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List Reduction --Practice Exercise 1

• Chase Econometrics ranked 48 states (not AK or
  HI) according to their desirability for the
  average retiree
• Which 10 were ranked as the worst to retire to?

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Contract / Reality Anchor