![]() |
Winsights No. 68 (June/July 2003) |
Situational Problem-Solving by Win Wenger, Ph.D. ![]() Many people by now have some problem-solving methods available to them; some even have a few of our own Project Renaissance methods for solving problems. Yet with nearly all of us, when we run into our own difficulties, we tend to fall back into discussing it in pretty much the same ways as groups of people do everywhere else, and this almost never leads to solutions. One really needs to identify and specify each problem, then formally run a problem-solving process to solve it, unless one is more comfortable staying stalled where one is (most people actually are!). I've seen many programs and groups, even those that are principal advocates of creative problem-solving procedures, fall into the same wallow. Years ago I used to watch my own thinktanks doing this, and I discovered that it took quite an effort to move them into actual problem-solving processes. But I believe that is much if not most of what it takes to move ahead. I believe that those firms will be the most successful whose decision-people use formal problem-solving methods on issues and questions and problems and opportunities. Their subtle awarenesses of the firm's situation, maybe in one 2- to 3-hour session per week, using a rotation of formal facilitated problem-solving methods (I nominate "Windtunnel" for starters), will help that firm burst right through the ceiling. Further, I've reason to believe that Socratic Method in its various forms (see Winsights articles Nos. 52, 55, 56, 57 and 62) is a basic human necessity. One should be drawn out at length, in depth and detail, on issue after issue after issue; that's a huge part of our growth as human beings (even though most human beings go to their graves without ever having really been heard by anyone on anything). Regular mutual use of Socratic Method, drawing one another out on their subtlest awarenesses concerning matters of the firm and its possibilities, not only will be super for the enterprise, but as a working practice will let more and more people grow with that Socratic experience.
![]() Specific suggestion: When someone in your presence ventures some grand suggestion, usually someone else voices an objection. Instead of arguing "yes, but" or objecting to the objection, how about making a point of collecting each objection. List the objections on a notepad, or on a flip chart if more than three people are involved or if this is at some sort of official meeting. Determine which objection is the biggie to tackle first, then go straight into a formal problem-solving on that. Never leave yourself stalled-out or stalled-down. You need we all need, I think to make it a reflex to turn each difficulty, every objection, into a formal problem-solving. We know how to problem-solve. We just haven't bothered to actually apply it to our own problems when they come up, much less to do so reflexively. That, I believe, is the step needed for further success. Dynamic Format is a system of highly visible or noticeable cues through which one or the whole group can productively guide an entire group meeting with unusual efficiency. Dynamic Format is the answer to the question of how even in large groups, most or all participants can experience a lot of meaningful "air time" with Socratic Method, enough for each to get the Socratic Miracle Effect going for him. In keeping with this current discussion, I would like to propose an additional new provision for Dynamic Format: Any time you observe a question, problem or difficulty in objection or discussion that is not being picked up on as a problem to process, hold up two index fingers about shoulder-high in front of you. That will not only be a good reminder but a good attention-seizing gesture. To signify: Formal problem-solving can usefully be done on this topic, at this point, starting with either or both of these questions:
It's best if participants also have had some working experience with and
knowledge of basic "brainstorming." (You might also find some use for the
"Support-First" rule in Dynamic Format if you observe anyone's idea getting trashed before it is first supported, clasp your hands above
your head for a few moments looking wistfully upward... ) ![]()
Summary of Brainstorming Rules In most brainstorming groups, the best ideas show up near the end of the session, and the more ideas are generated or the longer the session runs, the better the ideas become. Brainstorming helps to overcome the reflexive squelching we all too typically do of our own ideas, having long since internalized the reflexive criticisms of others. It gets ideas out on the table where they can be properly examined for merit, rather than just reflexively consigned to the void.
Three Project Renaissance procedures relate closely enough to Brainstorming for these rules to apply there pretty well also. The three related forms are basic Freenoting, Windtunnel, and the Final Exam review process. Windtunnel is a very good procedure to segue into for formal problem-solving of the main or most interesting items turned up by brainstorming of the above two questions, though many others will work well in that role also. The important thing is to take a stalling-point into actual problem-solving so you don't stall out. This could be a very large and major topic, for which we aren't yet even
beginning to scratch the surface. Somewhere in all of this loom some very
major and basic questions about human development; about success marketing; about personal and corporate goals-setting; about whatever effort
and enterprise; and possibly about other issues even more basic than that. We very much would welcome your thoughts and perceptions and observations in this context. ![]() Comments to: Win Wenger
including its copyright for use with people whom you care about or wish to inform. |
| Home | Winsights Index | This is No. 68 | |
Contact:
Project Renaissance PO Box 332, Gaithersburg, MD 20884-0332 |
301-948-1122 | ![]() |