Decision Making & Problem Solving

Change is now an integral part of modern life. If you accept this, then you must identify problems, make decisions and implement them. If you do not face change, then your personal and professional competitors will move forward, and you shall either be dictated to or have to deal with the changes as problems.

This module looks at what is meant by problems and decisions. We will look at the different types that arise and the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Then we will look at a sequence of actions to increase the quality of problem analysis and decision-making.

One thing is certain, you make decisions and those decisions come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is as simple as yes or no choices. At other times you may have little information and even less time, yet may be pressed into choosing from several courses of action which have not been tried before.

Improving your Problem Solving & Decision Making skills will make you more effective. You’ll have more time to focus on what’s important and spend less time ‘fighting fires’. Your confidence and credibility will increase with your skills.

Elements covered:

• Introduction to Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Barriers to effective Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Types of decisions and problems
• Objective setting
• Essential questioning skills
• Questioning for problem solving
• Generating creative solutions
• Evaluating options and making decisions

Competency addressed:
This module is designed to contribute to the PRE4M™ Conceptual & Analytical Thinker and Decisive and Astute competencies at foundation and advanced level.

At the end of this module learners will understand how to:

• Identify and acts upon trends in information
• Separate the facts from conjecture in any situation
• Check facts before reaching conclusions
• Utilise appropriate business modelling to arrive at conclusions
• Adapt frameworks and methodologies to tackle new situations
• Use both practical and theoretic models when formulating ideas and solutions
• Present ideas that stand up to informed challenge
• Reflect on consequences of straightforward options before making a decision
• Make decisions on routine activities within own area of accountability
• Make sound choices within own area of expertise and influence
• Take decisions within appropriate timeframes
• Explain rationale behind own decisions with confidence
• Articulate the assumptions behind decisions
• Apply a range of decision making techniques
• Involve colleagues appropriately