Maestra

SEVEN-STEP PROBLEM-SOLVING,
DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

Having a logical thought process helps
ensure that you will not neglect key factors that
could influence the problem, and ultimately
yourdecision. In fact, you should always apply
a clear, logical thought process to all leadership
situations that you encounter. The seven-step
process is an excellent tool that can guide you
in solvingproblems and making those sound
and timely decisions. The seven steps are:
1. Identify (recognize/define) the problem.
2. Gather information (facts/assumptions).
3. Develop courses of action(solutions).
4. Analyze and compare courses of action
(alternatives/solutions).
5. Make a decision; select the best course of
action (solution).
6. Make a plan.
7. Implement the plan (assess theresults).
Identify the Problem
Being able to accurately identify the
nature of a problem is a crucial undertaking.
All leadership problems, whether they involve
a work-related situation or acounseling
session, are exploratory in nature — that is,
leaders do not always identify the right cause of
a problem or develop the best plan. In fact, two
of the most common errors of leaders areidentifying the wrong problem and identifying
the wrong causes of a problem. Plus, the
tendency for leaders to make mental errors
increases as their levels of stress increase. We
all make mistakes. Ifleaders are given false
information, it may lead them to incorrect
problem identification and to incorrect
assumptions about the causes of a problem.
Then, if leaders fail to determine the truesource of a problem, they may develop an
inadequate plan.
Learn to identify the real problems.
Consider all angles. Learn to seek only accurate
information that leads to the real causes of aproblem. To ensure that information is
accurate, question its validity. In other words,
leaders must take what accurate information
they have, use their best judgment, and make
educated assumptions...