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How
to solve problems and
make decisions more
effectively in discussions with other people. Your ability to
communicate is the most
important skill you can develop to get on to the fast track in your career.
Perhaps the most important thing you do in business is to solve problems and
make decisions, both by yourself and with other people.
Use a Systematic Process
A
major type of communication in the business organization is meetings for
problem-solving and decision-making. The key to effective problem-solving and
decision-making discussions, is for you to all go through the process
systematically.
Define the Problem Clearly
Right at the beginning, you ask the question, "What exactly is the problem?"
Clarity of definition will resolve 50% of the issues before they go any further.
Focus of the Future
When
discussing a problem, be sure to focus on the future over the past. Ask the
question:
Too
many problem-solving discussions end up focusing all of the attention of all the
people present on what happened in the past and who is to blame. The effective
executive uses this type of communication to focus on where the company and the
individuals are going, and what can happen in the future – the only part of the
situation over which anyone has any control.
Talk About the Solution
A
second element in effective problem solving communications is for you to talk
about the solutions instead of talking about the problems. It is for you to keep
the attention of the individuals in the meeting focused on the possible
solutions and what can be done rather than what has already happened.
Release Creativity
The
discussion of solutions is inherently positive, uplifting and has a tendency to
release creativity amongst the
group. A discussion of problems is inherently negative, demotivating and tends
to inhibit creativity.
The Key to Positive
Thinking
You can become a
positive thinker simply by
becoming a solution-oriented person rather than a problem-oriented person.
If
you get everyone in your organization thinking and talking in terms of
solutions, you will be astonished at the quality and quantity of ideas that will
emerge.
ACTION EXERCISES
Here are two things you can do immediately to become a better
problem solver and
decision maker.
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Take some time to be absolutely clear
about the problem that is under discussion. Give some thought to what an ideal
decision or solution would accomplish. Instead of focusing on the situation as
it is, talk about the situation, as you would like it to be.
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Keep the conversation focused on
solutions, on what can be done in the future. The more you think and talk about
solutions, the more
positive and
creative
everyone will be and the better ideas you will come up with.
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