Step 3: Generate Solutions
Now that the group has identified and defined the root causes of the problem, the next step is to generate ideas for a solution. These solutions, with hope, will solve the problem and will not cause another problem to develop and/or make the current situation worse than it already is. To ensure the groups solution will not cause further problems to the original problem, a method to do so is by first developing a set of criteria or conditions that an acceptable solution must be met. These are a few example questions the group can ask in considering when coming up with a solution:
a. Will it solve the problem? b. Is the proposed solution realistic? c. Is the proposed solution just and ethical? d. Is it economical? e. Will it provide more benefits than disadvantages? f. Are the benefits significant? g. Will it be harmful in any way? h. Is it clear? |
Having determined the criteria, the group can now begin to propose solutions to the problem, keeping in mind the criteria that was mentioned. The focus in this is to generate ideas, and NOT evaluate. Usually groups that generate and evaluate together often reduce the number of potential viable solutions. Here are a few tips that might help during brainstorming of ideas:
· Ideas are to be expressed freely, to be expressed without evaluation from others;
· All ideas, wild or otherwise, are accepted;
· It is important to never reject or criticize ideas that are generated at this stage, for it will create negativity and slow the production of ideas.
Members should try to think of as many ideas to solve the problem as possible; it is about quantity over quality at this stage. After group has exhausted its ideas for alternatives solutions, group can proceed to the next step of the problem solving groups, the Analysis and the Selecting of the Solution. Click step 4 to proceed.
· Ideas are to be expressed freely, to be expressed without evaluation from others;
· All ideas, wild or otherwise, are accepted;
· It is important to never reject or criticize ideas that are generated at this stage, for it will create negativity and slow the production of ideas.
Members should try to think of as many ideas to solve the problem as possible; it is about quantity over quality at this stage. After group has exhausted its ideas for alternatives solutions, group can proceed to the next step of the problem solving groups, the Analysis and the Selecting of the Solution. Click step 4 to proceed.