With the wide range of problems you face at work, it’s the small, everyday problems - the ones that need quick but effective solutions - that really take a chunk out of your day. So how do you solve these problems and still leave time for the more complex issues at hand?

Problem Solved! is a 25-item assessment providing participants with an easy-to-use, 5-step problem-solving process. By using this process, individuals can identify and monitor their skill level at each step.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn an effective way to solve everyday problems
• Identify strengths and weaknesses at each step of the process
• Create action plans for improvement

Theory

Problem Solved! is based on a process of 5 steps (The Problem Solved! Process). The instrument takes the perspective that a systematic method of problem solving followed and practiced on a regular basis yields rapid and efficient problem solving (Hesselberth, 1994). Drawing on the work of Sternberg (1986) and Klubnik & Greenwood (1994), the Problem Solved! Process is based on the most common and most sensible steps.

How It Works

With a recent problem in mind, participants respond to 25 behavior-related statements, indicating the extent to which they practiced the behavior. By scoring and charting results, they create a visual depiction of their comfort level with each of the 5 problem-solving steps. Participants learn about the 5-step Problem Solved! Process, discuss everyday problem solving, apply the Problem Solved! Process to a current problem, and make action plans.

Uses for Problem Solved!

Problem Solved! is best used with participants who require a quick problem-solving method. Other instruments (e.g., the Force Field Problem Solving Model) can be used for working with in-depth problems. Effective when used as a stand-alone tool as well as part of a larger program, the Problem Solved! is particularly helpful for individuals or groups who:

• Face repeated short-term problems
• Must engage in problem solving daily or weekly
• Need to solve problems within a short period of time (e.g., one hour)
• Need a standard method for problem solving that can be applied universally
• Tend to spend too long solving everyday problems

What to Order/Product Contents

Order one Facilitator Guide per trainer and one Participant Guide per participant.

   Facilitator Guide includes:

• Administrative guidelines
• Theoretical background
• Training design
• Detailed descriptions of the 5 problem-solving steps
• Tips for problem solving
• Case study
• Overhead transparency and participant handout masters

   Participant Guide includes:

• 25-item assessment
• Pressure-sensitive response form
• Detailed descriptions of the 5 problem-solving steps
• Tips for problem solving
• Chart to record assessment results
• Reflection questions
• Action planning