The Problem Solving Process
The 18th-century French writer known as Voltaire has been quoted as having said, "No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking."
When faced with a problem, what do you do to solve it?
This assignment asks you to apply a six-step problem-solving process to a specific problem scenario.
Instructions You will write a paper that presents a synthesis of your ideas about solving the problem using this systematic approach.
Review the six-step problem-solving process outlined in the webtext.
Read the article, The Problem-Solving Process.
Write a 4–5 page paper in which you:
Define the problem in the scenario that you chose in the Week 7 assignment, Problem-Solving: Part 1.
Analyze the problem in the scenario.
Generate options for solving the problem in the scenario.
Evaluate the options for solving the problem.
Decide on the best option for solving the problem.
Explain how you will implement the chosen solution and reflect on whether this option was the most effective.
Problem-Solving -2
Name of student
Institutional affiliation
Course
Date
Problem-solving 2
According to Voltaire, a French writer, thinking is the main component to solve the problem of human beings. This means that any problem can be solved after critically thinking about it. Thinking is the initial step to solving problems. By observing, we think of more ways to achieve a solution; thus, more thinking gives a vivid plan on how to solve the problem. According to the scenario I chose (below), I will follow the six-step process to problem-solving
You are a sales representative for a company that encourages staff to log time in the field and away from work. You are expected to begin and end your day at the office. You notice that each day when you arrive and return another coworker is already there, and you wonder whether this person spends most of their time in the office. At your weekly sales meeting, you are informed of your coworker's outstanding sales performance. You suspect that this coworker is spending more time flattering the boss instead of working leads in the field and, as a result, is getting the best client referrals. Your own sales numbers have steadily decreased since this other sales representative was hired.
Defining the problem
Being the initial step of problem-solving, defining the problem means differentiating facts from the opinion. It also involves categorically specifying the underlying issue and establishing the goal one wants to achieve. The problem in the scenario is the drop-down in my sales performance. Finding my colleagues in the office is not a problem as it could be a coincidence or motivated employee being in the office. My new colleague flirting with the boss is not a problem as many people do in other organizations but complimenting my boss to get referrals for big clients and surpass my sales is a problem.
Determining and analyzing the cause of the problem
This process involves understanding where the problem is coming from and taking a step back to assess the situation and changes that need to be made. In the scenario, ever since my new colleague was hired, my sales performance seems to be going south. Low sales being the problem, I would focus on increasing my sales which means going to the field for long hours. Some organization supports flirting thus my colleague flirting will not be a big issue for me. The problem started when my new colleague was employed. Thus my sales drop-down is caused by my boss giving more referrals to my colleague for compliments.
Generating an alternative solution
This process involves evaluating alternatives, including all the individuals. It involves brainstorming all the possible solutions to a problem. In the scenario, I would first start by investigating the suspicion about my colleague. If my investigation confirms that they are flirting with the boss for referrals, I would then approach my boss and make them aware of my predicaments. I would make it clear to him that my work is important and the growth of our company is my ultimate goal. Also, I could appro...