Problem Solving at the Workplace

Conflicts are always present in every organization or workplace. People have different point of views and may end up disagreeing, and this causes problems. Therefore, as a manager problem solving skills are very important to acquire. Solutions ought to be fair and just. This will ensure a better working environment for the employees. Hence, they will be very productive. Different problems have different approaches of which some will work better while others will not because of barriers experienced during problem solving which hinder efficiency.

Problems have different solving techniques. First is negotiation, it is the most common way of solving problems. It happens through communication between the two parties for instance in Wendy’s case she will have to have a sit in with the chairman and agree on how to either share the cost of reprinting the shirts or they should increase the shirt prices . It was not possible to make new shirts due to the little time they have. In negotiation approach, it is a one to one talk. In serious cases, each party brings along an attorney. This type of problem solving technique has no particular procedure. Instead, it is according to the terms and conditions set by both parties.

Another problem solving technique is Meditation. In this case, they two disagreeing parties introduce someone who will make peace between them. The mediator is supposed to help them come to an agreement. For example, Wendy and the chairperson can count on the help of the CEO who is going to help them come in to a conclusion on whether the t-shirts will be reprinted, or prices will be added or this time the house committee will be done with no t-shirts. Mediation approach comes in handy mostly if negotiation approach was ineffective. However, it is important to note that the mediator does not make the decision for them or force any kind of agreement between them. Both parties interact directly but this time there is a mediator.

Arbitration is also another approach towards problem solving. For this matter, there is an impartial person who makes the decision for them. Although it is a court like act, it has no legalities. The arbitrator is the one in charge of the case therefore, listens to both sides and comes up with a decision. Similarly, in Wendy’s case, the CEO can still act as an arbitrator. He has to listen to what Wendy has to say and what the Chairman has to say he weighs things and come with a solution similar to what Wendy and her colleagues came up with. However, this time only one side will triumph. Therefore, the shirts will be sold at high price as well as be reprinted by the members in this case Wendy’s side prevails.

Litigation is an approach that involves going to the court and having your case handled by the civil justice system. This time the case will be legally ruled . Wendy files a complaint about the chairman on interference with someone else’s work. In this case the chairman has no option but to comply.  They will have to go through a number of trials before a decision is made. If by any chance the judge rules in favor of the chairman Wendy has no option but to comply however one can also appeal if they are not satistied with the decision. This is the same case i f the judge rules in favor of Wendy. In this approach various procedures need to be followed among them bringing in evidences, attending of trials and when one is not satisfied an appeal is filled. Problems will never have a universal solution because each problem has different intensity and therefore making it very different.

In addressing my workplace problems, the best thing to do is to identify the issue then get to understand each party’s interests. With knowing their interests then it is easy to determine if the next step that is choosing the appropriate method to solve the problem will be effective. Always choose the appropriate method to solve the dispute. The method depends on the nature of the dispute. Primarily before any approach is taken brainstorming should be done get different opinions evaluate and from that pick the most suitable. After a decision is made then it is put forward for both parties to comply. A follow up is also needed to ensure that tjey are doing what is needed.  A problem solved effectively takes sometime before what they really come to be comfortable with the decision.

Barriers are always present each and every time.  Solving problem is no exceptional.  These barriers hinder the effectiveness of solving a problem. On the other hand, everyone come across different cognitive obstruction which comes with different intensities. It is also very important for everyone to know the range of obstacles and the pressure they put during finding solutions. Major barriers include affirmation partiality this simply means that one believes they have the solution even before listening to the problem with this biasness is introduced. Without no research and consultation the solutions is already brought to the table.

Another barrier is phsycological set mostly comes about depending on the cliché’s of solving problem. Relying on the past data that was used instead of evaluating the possibilities to find a better new and simple solution. The problem solver is not ready to acquire new skills. Efficient Fixedness in this matter the problem solver believes that there is only one solution. With this kind of perception, it will take a longer time convincing them otherwise. Irrelevant Information knowledge on the kind of problem you are trying to solve should always be in mind. Otherwise, people tend to go off topic to issues that really do not matter especially during brainstorming.

Conclusion

No problem is equal to another therefore; it will need different technique than the other to ensure that not even the barriers will hinder one from getting a better solution.  Barriers of problem solving are caused by factors such as emotions, fear of change and fear of disappointment. However, all these should be put aside in order to find a solution.

 

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