Programs - SOLVING PROBLEMS, MAKING DECISIONS - TOGETHER! Coping with complexity is central to human decision-making. Our work is largely composed of making decisions and solving problems. It is work of choosing issues that require attention, setting goals, finding or designing suitable courses of action, evaluating and choosing among alternative actions. The first three of these activities--fixing agendas, setting goals, and designing actions--are usually called problem solving; the last, evaluating and choosing, is usually called decision making. The following sessions will present basic tools that support people in groups and teams to gather information, explore possibilities, analyze options, weigh priorities, and make decisions that can be by all involved in making that decision work. Decision Making The decision making portion of the program will focus on how to include the appropriate people in the appropriate roles throughout all stages of the decision making process (from gathering information, analyzing, making the decision, and following through with application). The emphasis will be how to be aware of and reduce the potential resistance to a decision in order to increase the success of its application. Difficulties, blocks and barriers to effective decision making and problem solving. How decisions are made - from "plop to consensus" (the risks of making decisions that may meet resistance in application and follow through). The Decision Making Grid - how to clarify different people's level of involvement in a decision process. Consensus Decision Making: Four types of decisions (unanimous, consensus, majority, authority). What consensus is when to use it, when to avoid it, and how to make it happen - The Team Decision Making Flowchart (a process). Problem Solving Problem Solving implies solving the problem correctly, i.e., coming up with the 'right' answer. Although that is certainly the goal, the foundation for good problem solving lies in following certain models that make sure you cover all the bases in getting information and evaluating the information. The problem solving portion of this program will presents two problem solving models while facilitating people to work in teams to apply these models to their work situations. A six-step balanced process for solving problems Used individually or as a group process Participants will work in small teams to apply this six-step process to design a plan for resolving a current work related problem. S.T.P. Problem Solving (Situation, Target, Proposal(s) Teams apply the STP to the their current work related problem Participants discuss connections between the two problem solving processes, and how they can use both to complement one another. (S) Define the Situation ( Step 1: Gather Facts) (T) Define the Target (Step 2: Explore Possibilities) (P) Proposals (Step 2: Explore Possibilities Step 3 Analyze Options Step 4 Clarify Priorities Step 5 Assign and communicate decisions, tasks Step 6 Follow through & Evaluate progress MATERIALS/TEXT Highly interactive Course will be approximately 30% presentation, with activities, exercises, group and dyad discussions. Available support materials include: workbook, audio tapes, video tape, reminder cards, reminder mug. COURSE LENGTH One to three days The course time and content can be customized to fit the client’s needs. FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Stephen Haslam Resource International 6119 Bankside Houston, TX. 77098, Phone: 713-305-1812 Fax: 713-779-6537 THE ART OF LEADERSHIP SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING THE STRESS OF CHANGE HIGH-IMPACT COMMUNICATION TEAM: TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE Programs Home Page