Roles of Facilitator or Manager in Problem Solving stages

Stages in a problem solving model

• 1. Situation Analysis

• 2. Problem Analysis

• 3. Solution Analysis

• 4. Implementation Analysis

Roles of the manager

• Managers or facilitators play different roles at different stages– good problem solvers must be able to recognize the

movement from one stage of problem-solving to another and adjust their role

– balancing dual positions in each of the stages of problem-solving is essential for a good result• position 1 (sometimes referred to as “Green mode”) is about

facilitating creative imagination, being sensitive to the immediate situation, and having empathy with other people

• position 2 ( sometimes referred to as “Red mode”) is about priority setting, problem definition, and decision-making

Leader

• In the situation analysis phase– since this phase involves visioning and exploring

and is about priority setting the manager must act as a leader to the group that has been engaged.• It is the manager who must see a future and move

the team toward it• this does not mean the manager has the answer but is

willing to lead the group forward

Detective

• After the problem has been chosen, or truly identified the manager then becomes the detective in this second stage of problem-solving– the detective gathers all of the information from

all sources• defining the problem further• drawing upon organizational history• piecing together disparate parts

Inventor

• Having defined the problem and moving toward solution analysis the manager becomes the chief inventor– looking for ideas from those on his team– unique solutions– opportunities that are hidden

• And ultimately to help the group make a decision

Coordinator

• Finally, at the implementation analysis stage– the manager seeks participation– coordinates the planning– and sees a solution put in place

Aware

• Finally, in all stages– Managers/facilitators will take into account• Everything they know about their people• The diversity and its’ cultural impact• Learning styles• Perceptions• Communication mediumns