I went to lunch with a friend the other day and she provided an excellent example of how the problem solving process can be used to work through an issue. As we ate our meal, she expressed frustration over issues she was having at work. She realized that there was a problem, but had not worked through the steps to find the best solution. As we discussed the issue it reminded me of the importance of not just recognizing the problem, but really examining the alternatives. This is something that I try to get my students to realize as they explore the problem-solving process so that they will be ready to apply this method when they transition into their careers. My focus for the next few months will be on problem solving methods.
Before I begin discussing the methods that can be used though, I would like to return to my scenario above to discuss an important element that should be considered when working on finding a solution to any issue and this is barriers. There are many types of barriers from enculturation to bias. What I want to focus on though is Ego.
In the scenario, my friend wanted to find a solution that would suit her interests as she wanted it to be. Does this sound familiar? She understood the options but did not want to accept any of them because they simply were not what she wanted. I gently suggested that she needed to find a solution that worked for the rules that were in place. She responded she didn’t like the options, and I countered that she needed to take herself out of this decision so that it was not a referendum on her and her desires, but about reaching a decision that could be implemented successfully.
The focal point of my part in the discussion was that a decision that must be made and that falls within a specific set of rules will require a decision that will satisfy the parameters, though not necessarily the decision maker. We often make decisions we do not like, but must be made. The willingness to take our ego out of the process will usually help us find the best possible solution.
In essence, one might think that our lunch-time discussion was an exercise in perspective-taking because we were able to bounce the ideas around to see what might work within the contractual limits. As Falk and Johnson (1977) suggest in their study, perspective taking groups will often find more creative solutions and facilitate better communication (p. 63). I did not ask about her final decision, but I think she left with more perspective on how she could approach the problem.
In the upcoming months, I will explore some of the problem solving methods and also will highlight some more of the barriers we encounter in this process.
Falk, D. R. ., & Johnson, D. W. (1977). The Effects of Perspective-Taking and Egocentrism on Problem Solving in Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Groups. Journal of Social Psychology, 102(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.1977.9713241