Help people be Rational, Creative and People-oriented when solving your business issues. Practical and effective training with measurable results.
www.actionm.com
Offers an online HR resource and solutions platform for small to mid-sized businesses, including state and federal employment law information.
Product | Insurance/Bnfits | Resellrs & Dealrs | Assctns/Frnchises
hranswerlink.com
Improve Skills in Project Mgmt, IT, & Business. Learn More at SkillSoft
www.skillsoft.com
Problem Solving Activities & Games Improve Business Performance
www.MTa-International.com
Customizable courseware for problem solving and decision making skills.
www.softskillscourseware.com
All Levels of Algebra. Live Help Expert Math Tutors. Try it Free Now
www.TutorVista.com/Algebra-Tutoring
RCA training and implementation. Industry proven RCA methods.
process-improvement-institute.com
Free Trial by Excel Solver Creators Easy Optimization with Excel
www.solver.com
PC too Slow, Crashing, Freezing? Free Scan & Repair 100% Guaranteed
www.PCDocPro.com
Services and Information Regarding the Apollo Method of Problem Solving
www.apollo-as.com
The purpose of this site is to create a daily experience of humor, inspiration and creative problem solving.
enchantedmind.com
A formula that contains an evaluation system that makes a person interested in helping to solve problems of another.
3form.com
Helps employees, employers and human resource professionals solve problems in the workplace. Human Resources advice and outsourcing.
www.hradvice.com
Offers an online HR resource and solutions platform for small to mid-sized businesses, including state and federal employment law information.
Product | Insurance/Bnfits | Resellrs & Dealrs | Assctns/Frnchises
hranswerlink.com (Paid)
A range of useful problem solving and analytical techniques.
www.mindtools.com
Non-profit with mission to create positive lasting change in the workplace by helping organizations improve individual, group, and organizational effectiveness.
www.outwardboundpro.org
Help people be Rational, Creative and People-oriented when solving your business issues. Practical and effective training with measurable results.
www.actionm.com (Paid)
Software developer that specializes in creating problem solving programs in the areas of the applied physical sciences and mathematics.
www.prosolv.com
This report examines how we can solve problems.
www.mediafrontier.com
Improve Skills in Project Mgmt, IT, & Business. Learn More at SkillSoft
www.skillsoft.com
Problem Solving Activities & Games Improve Business Performance
www.MTa-International.com
Customizable courseware for problem solving and decision making skills.
www.softskillscourseware.com
Guide to Problem Solving
Resolving workplace problems through creative and critical thinkingThere is one major difference, however: Business problem solving usually requires the participation of several people, at several levels, from top management to administrative assistants. That's why it's important that your problem solving sessions are structured; instead of everyone randomly throwing out ideas, it helps to follow a specific plan, which you can develop on your own or with the help of an expert.
Methods of successful problem solving in business include:
- Creating "what-if" scenarios or considering several outcomes
- Examining the problem from multiple perspectives, or employing multiple problem solving tools
- Breaking a problem down into smaller, more manageable parts
- Identifying both the internal and external factors contributing to a problem
- Understanding how these multiple factors interact with each other
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Stimulate your creative thinking skills with online or computer-based problem solving tools
Sometimes, you just need something to spark your creative thinking skills, and help you approach a problem from a different perspective. Many websites devoted to management, leadership and problem solving feature online tools to get you and your team started. These tools may include articles outlining various problem solving processes, free downloadable worksheets or workbooks to guide you through these methods, problem solving exercises, and even free newsletters to offer ongoing problem solving guidance.
I recommend:
The MindTools website offers free online problem solving tools, as does the Free Management Library.
Learn workplace problem solving techniques at a workshop or seminar
For more intensive problem solving training, enroll in a workshop or seminar. Many last just a day or two, and are offered either at your site or at another location such as a university. Team leaders or upper management can attend, and then bring the principles back to the office, or, for smaller groups in particular, the entire team can attend together. This is an effective way to instruct all the staff at once, and help them practice effective problem solving in the workplace in the future, not just in response to a specific issue.
I recommend:
The American Management Association offers problem solving workshops, as does the Rothman Consulting Group.
Get expert problem management help from a consultant
Training and tools can take you a long way in resolving workplace problems, but some circumstances require the aid of an expert. Problem solving consultants have years of experience, and because they've likely worked with companies in several fields and with a wide variety of problems, they bring a well-rounded approach that may help them see more options. They may have also seen your problem before, or have experience in your industry, and so know the unique challenges you face. Just as important, outside consultants are neutral about the situation, making it easier for them to be objective because they're not as attached the way things have always been done as longtime employees may be.
I recommend:
The Consultants Mall has a section listing problem solving consultants, and The Sawyer Partnership offers problem solving consulting and coaching.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide- Problem solving in business isn't just for times of change or crisis; it's an essential skill that can prevent problems and promote continual improvement of the organization. Make problem solving a standard part of employee training, so your staff will be skilled in spotting potential problems, and already know to address any issues that arise. And you may want to periodically apply problem solving methods to even successful areas of your business, just to see if there are opportunities for improvement.
