We encounter problems and make decisions every day. Some problems are simple and the solution is readily apparent, while other problems are more complex and we must weigh multiple potential solutions as we make our decision.

Making decisions can become more difficult as you gain more responsibility. Your ability to apply leadership skills in the way you approach problems work can also help you make decisions that other people can accept.

In this session, you’ll review the pre-assignment and decide whether you would do anything different with it given what you’ve already learned today.

Problem solving is like many things in that it can be made simpler when there are some guidelines or a model to help us with the process. Whichever model you use, be sure to apply some flexibility and adaptability to make the most of it.

In this session, you’ll learn a multi-step problem solving model and start getting used to the phases that it incorporates.

When learning new concepts, it helps to take a step back and get some practice. It also helps to think of things in the context of where you will often apply them, which in this case is a work setting.

In this session, you’ll get the chance to apply the concepts we have covered so far with a case study.

Earlier in this course, we introduced a problem solving model and some essential skills. You’ve applied them in a few exercises, so you should have a good grasp of the basics. Now, we will expand on the model so that you have a deeper understanding.

In this session, you’ll explore some techniques that you can use while problem solving, such as the fishbone, degrees of support, brainwriting, and more.

If only all problem solving and decision making could take place in a safe space, away from interruptions, where you have time to think, plan, and strategize. Life just isn’t like this, but luckily you’ll have this course to refer back to time and again!

In this session, you’ll explore another case study so that you can practice using some of the techniques you’ve learned so far.

“Swotting” is an expression that means to study. We thought that it was a fun way to introduce another method that is focused on the initials SWOT. Can you introduce an element of fun to your problem solving sessions?

In this session, you’ll learn how to apply the SWOT method to your thinking in order to look at a range of factors that can influence your decision making.

We all want to make the best decisions we can, and as with most things, having the right tools makes all the difference. Close your eyes for a moment and picture yourself as a decision-making resource for your team. How does it feel?

In this session, you’ll explore several group techniques that can help make the decision making process effective and inclusive. We’ll also share ways to avoid some big mistakes.

If you’ve raised children or remember being a child yourself, you might recall someone saying “I know that you want it, but do you really need it?” As kids we find this offensive, but as adults it’s a valid determination to be making.

In this session, you consider wants versus needs. You’ll also learn how to create a cost-benefit analysis to help with the process.

You have worked through the first two phases of the problem solving model. You’ve also applied new skills and thinking so that you can draw on them the next time you have a problem to define and consider, and have decisions to make.

In this session, you’ll review the last phase of the problem solving model, and finalize the process in preparation for the next time you need to solve a problem and make a decision.

Now that you have completed this course on Problem Solving and Decision Making, how will you use the things you have learned? Creating a personal action plan can help you to stay on track, and on target. When you take responsibility for yourself and your results, you get things done. This final exercise is a way for you to synthesize the learning that you have done, and to put it into practice.

In this session, you will be asked questions to help you plan your short-term and long-term goals. This final exercise is a way for you to synthesize the learning that you have done and to put it into practice.