STRATEGIC PROBLEM SOLVING & DECISIONS MAKINGJIDE JOHNSONDEPUTY PROVOSTNIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM LAGOS

What is problem?Problems are the keys to

success and progress Problem are:

▫ unmet needs ▫unfulfilled desires▫ untapped potentials▫Strategic windows of

opportunities in business▫An issue of economic, political

and social concerns that needs to be addressed

What is Problem solving?• Problem solving: it involves exploring

and analysing options to make sound decisions.

• Problem solving is the simplicity of complexities.

• Reducing the seemingly complexity to a simple ideas or tools

• Is the generation of solutions(ideas) to problems.

• Idea generations: an innovation, creative concept or creative thought of the mind offering solution to a problem.

▫ Thoughts or mental impression of the mind.

▫ It is the application of intuition and imagination to resolving an issue, proffering solutions and

The problem solving Process I

• 1. Identify the problem(s)▫ Exploring the problem▫ Defining the problem▫ Researching the problem▫ doing your home work on the problem

• 2. Identify alternate solutions▫ Brainstorm▫ Exploit critical thinking▫ don’t consider or evaluate▫ keep returning to the problem▫ use the problem solution peg of 5W’s and

H▫ Generate ideas and solutions to the

problem▫ Look at the problem from every angle,

develop ideas▫ generalise as many alternatives as

possible

The problem solving Process II

3. Critically evaluate▫ assess the different alternative course of

action▫ looking alternatives

4. Select optimal solution:▫ Look for what works▫ Is it on strategy?▫ Is good enough?▫ Is it line with overall business strategy?5. Implement…strike while the iron is hot▫ A plan that is put to work is better than a

good plan on paper▫ A plan does not guarantee you success but

helps to prevent failure▫ Indecision paralyses a vision▫ “A good plan executed today is better than

a perfect one that is too late”(David Noonan,2005)

Traits of problem solverAccording to J. B Guildford, highlycreative people have three traits:

▫Fluency: Ability to generate ideas quickly.

▫Flexibility: The skill to produce unique ideas across many different areas.

▫Originality: the talent to come up with ideas that nobody had thought of previously.

In simple terms, a problem solver is an enterprising person.

Who is a problem solver I ?

1. Always see the future in the present

2.they don’t wait for opportunity to come to them ,they go looking for them

3.Always take advantage of situation…and not burden by it

Who is a problem solver II?4.When faced with a problem,

they figure it out and make it work seeks to take advantage of a

situation they seek opportunities in

every situation and wait for it Always actively working

towards their goals and vision5.They are decision makers

decisively active Impulsively dynamic creatively inspired

The Problem solver-an enterprising person

Requirements of self enterprise1. Creativity: shaping your

imagination to your vision-looking at the world differently- taking a different approach-be different from the rest/crown  2. The courage to be creative-The courage to see things differently-the courage to take a different

approach-the courage to stand alone, if you

have to-closing a task over ease

The Problem solver-an enterprising person III3. Develop a personal value

what could you do differently what can you do to operate at

maximize your capacity What is the of yourself worth how good do you feel good about

yourself, job career and career do a little more daily read a book attend a seminar take a courseWhat you become is what makes you valuable

Invest in personal devwelopment

The Problem solver-an enterprising person II4. Manage your time better.- Time is an important

convertible resource- Time lost cannot be recovered- Ensure you are selfish with

your time5. Be willing to do the Extra –

- Put it in extra effort- Put in an extra time, work

The Problem solver-an enterprising person III6. Your Net worth is a product of your network

- The more people you know in your business or profession the more successful you become.

Network continually everywhere you go , with everyone you meet; this will make you move

faster, rise higher and grow better.The more people you know the more doors of opportunities that are open to you and counsel you access that help you shape your business, career and life.

7. Have a reference group.What is the quality of your reference group?

- The people you work with- The people you live with

- The people you identify withPeople like to do business with people they know; people will like to recommend people they have one form of relationship.