Problem solving and decision-making

Much of what managers and supervisors do is solve problems and make decisions. New managers and supervisors, in particular, often solve problems and make decisions by reacting to them. They are "under the gun", stressed and very short for time. Consequently, when they encounter a new problem or decision they must make, they react with a decision that seemed to work before. It's easy with this approach to get stuck in a circle of solving the same problem over and over again. Therefore, as a new manager or supervisor, you should get used to an organised approach to problem solving and decision making.

The goal of this lesson is to provide the participants with more advanced knowledge on problem solving and decision making in the contemporary organisation. It will help them further develop their skills as managers and leaders.

At the end of this training session the participants will be able to:

1. Identify three major types of problems and the best universal methods to resolve them.
2. Outline some psychological barriers to problem solving and decision-making.
3. Understand the role of the manager in the process of problem solving and decision-making.
4. Differentiate between two alternative styles in problem solving used by managers.
5. Learn some tips to be a successful manager in problem solving and decision-making in a contemporary organisation.