2. FOCUS
How to solve the problem effectively?
To solve a problem we need to understand it and its causes, the circumstances where the problem has been originated and its links to other areas. Maybe we have tried to solve it in the past unsuccessfully and we are looking into different ways to tackle it.
There is no need to do each activity step by step. Feel free to do any activity you feel more attracted to.
To solve a problem we need to understand it and its causes, the circumstances where the problem has been originated and its links to other areas. Maybe we have tried to solve it in the past unsuccessfully and we are looking into different ways to tackle it.
There is no need to do each activity step by step. Feel free to do any activity you feel more attracted to.
2.1. "A problem that is well defined is a problem nearly solved". Define the problem by gathering some of the following info:
- Where does it happen?
- When does it happen?
- How does it happen?
- Why does it happen?
- With who does it happen?
- How often does it happen?
- Which are the consequences of this problem (emotional, financial, health...)
- Who else is affected by this problem?
- Features of this problem
You can write the answers while following the video and stopping it if needed. Answer only the things you are aware of. Even if you are not sure about the answers, write you opinions even if you are not too confident about them.
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2.2. Think about the causes of the problem. Sometimes we try to solve the consequences of the problem without thinking about its causes, what is not very efficient because it could come back again. It is like painting the ceiling without stopping the leaking that is above the ceiling.
The technique of asking why the problem has started, following asking why each time you have an answer is a very interesting way of looking for a starting point to tackle the problem. Look at the example in the video and use this technique to your own problem.
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2.3. Express the problem definition with graphics or diagrams. Do any drawing that help you to represent the problem.
Look at the examples in the links. You could use a mindmap, a fishbone diagram, any scheme that represent the problem like when doing problems in physics or maths, you could include people who share the problem or people who could support you, a force-field analysis, a SWOT analysis, etc. use a graphic that can help you to integrate what you have written before.
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2.4. Express the problem by writing sentences that start by "How to...". You can try to express it making it S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bounded).
Look at the example in the video to see how interesting is to write different "How to..." related to the same problem. It can help you to think about different an innovative ways to tackle the problem (feel free to use similar or different concepts that attract different thoughts)
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2.5. When trying to solve problems with people, it is necessary to develop the skill of listening and use of opening questions.
When helping people to solve problems or solving problems with people, it is very important to be able to understand how they think, what are their thoughts that lead to their actions. This has to be done in a helpful manner trying to understand what they perceive and with an open mind ready to change our thoughts if we believe that their arguments are valid and more powerful than the ones we had before. Be ready to learn and to challenge in a non challenging manner, just by asking open questions to try to clarify what you are trying to understand.
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