Welcome to Enhancing Recovery Part 1.
I'm Dr.
Lynn Brown.
Today's topic is problem solving.
There are four steps to problem solving that must be done in order,
So I call it the problem solving ladder.
One,
Identify the problem.
Few of us actually take the time to identify what the problem is.
We are usually in such a hurry to make the problem disappear because we become uncomfortable as soon as a problem arises.
So take the time to determine what is actually happening,
Exactly what the problem is.
Two,
The desired outcome.
Since we are usually in a hurry to make the problem go away,
We don't even care what the outcome is except that we want there to no longer be a problem.
We don't think about what it is we want to happen,
Just what we don't want to happen.
Therefore,
It is important to determine what you want the outcome to be.
Three,
Options.
We tend to stop looking at solutions as soon as we come up with one.
The problem is that the chances of that being the best solution is rare.
So give yourself time to brainstorm,
To come up with many options.
Four,
Action.
In order to make the problem go away,
We take action,
Any action.
We are not particularly concerned about the repercussions.
We just want the whole thing to disappear.
Another reaction to problems is to avoid taking action due to being unsure regarding which action is best.
So then nothing happens.
It is important to assess the options you have come up with and determine which one is best,
Then act on it.
Now let's talk about the problem solving components.
Identify the problem.
Describe the problem.
What is,
Is not happening.
What occurs as a result of the problem.
Where does it or does it not happen.
When does it,
Does it not happen.
What occurs just before that triggers it.
When did the problem first happen.
Who is and is not involved.
Who is affected.
Who is responsible.
Identify the cause of the problem.
What are the possible causes.
What are the probable causes.
What cause is most likely to be the actual one.
Identify the desired outcome.
What do you want things to be like.
What do you want to prevent,
Limit or fix.
Do you want short-term or long-term effects.
Determine options.
What possible options exist.
Which option will most likely get the desired result.
What makes this option workable.
What barriers exist to implementing this option.
What makes this option less than perfect.
Which option will leave the fewest negative outcomes.
What makes this option workable.
What barriers exist to implementing this option.
What makes this option less than perfect.
Which option can be carried out effectively with the available resources.
What makes this option workable.
What barriers exist to implementing this option.
What makes this option less than perfect.
Which option has the fewest barriers.
What makes this option workable.
What barriers exist to implementing this option.
What makes this option less than perfect.
Determining the action.
Which option is best.
What makes this option workable.
What makes this option less than perfect.
What barriers exist to implementing this option and what will be done to overcome them.
When will this action be taken.
How will this action be implemented.
Who will be involved in implementing this action.
What will be done to follow up to make sure the action produced the desired results.
Notice how you tend to solve problems.
Do you follow the four steps and use the components?
If not perhaps you can start practicing using each step in order and using the components.
It will help you be better at solving life's problems.
Copyright 2017,
Lynn Baranius-Brown.
Published by Best Life Publications.
No part of this audio recording may be reproduced without permission from the copyright owner.
