Step 6: Evaluate Solution
Evaluation is probably the most underemphasized and most crucial step when problem solving. Reasons why groups do not conduct evaluations are time, cost, political climate, uneasiness in evaluation, and fear of being challenged in their decided upon solution. However, some evaluation is essential in determining the effectiveness of the solution. An evaluation can take many forms and be as simple as brief conversations with key individuals and members involved or as elaborate as sophisticated surveys and in-depth record analysis. The purpose of evaluation is to determine how well the solution is working or why the solution may not be working. The group should decide how comprehensive the evaluation should be based upon the complexity of the problem and the decided solution.
First, in deciding how to execute a solution, the group may uncover possible weaknesses. What often sounds like a good decision might prove to be inoperable. The members find this out when they try to institute a plan of action. If the solution is unworkable, it can be abandoned in favor of one that is more likely to work. Depending on the severity of the problem and the quality of solution desired, objectives and approaches for problem solving will vary. For minor problems, a group may focus on quickly reaching a solution as the main objective. Groups concerned with finding a quality solution as the main objective may factor in more time for the problem solving process. To be effective, problem solving must arrive at a solution that gets the job done, efficiently uses the available resources, promotes cooperation, and fosters competence among those faced with solving the problem.
Problem solving is an ongoing process that is an integral part of everyday life either at home or at work. A problem must first be felt, understood, and alternative choices created before effective groups can consider its solution, implement the decision, and evaluate how well the solution is working.
With this 6 steps, groups should be able to perform problem solving in groups. Review back each steps if unclear, or watch the video for a crash course of problem solving if you don't have enough time to read the steps.
First, in deciding how to execute a solution, the group may uncover possible weaknesses. What often sounds like a good decision might prove to be inoperable. The members find this out when they try to institute a plan of action. If the solution is unworkable, it can be abandoned in favor of one that is more likely to work. Depending on the severity of the problem and the quality of solution desired, objectives and approaches for problem solving will vary. For minor problems, a group may focus on quickly reaching a solution as the main objective. Groups concerned with finding a quality solution as the main objective may factor in more time for the problem solving process. To be effective, problem solving must arrive at a solution that gets the job done, efficiently uses the available resources, promotes cooperation, and fosters competence among those faced with solving the problem.
Problem solving is an ongoing process that is an integral part of everyday life either at home or at work. A problem must first be felt, understood, and alternative choices created before effective groups can consider its solution, implement the decision, and evaluate how well the solution is working.
With this 6 steps, groups should be able to perform problem solving in groups. Review back each steps if unclear, or watch the video for a crash course of problem solving if you don't have enough time to read the steps.