Successful Problem-Solving and Decision-Making ^{2nd Ed.}

The biggest mistake people make when dealing with problems is to tackle the symptoms rather than the root cause. This book shows readers how to define the real problems and then to implement permanent solutions to them.

Successful Problem-Solving and Decision-Making presents a step-by-step system progressing from overview, recognition and cause analysis to optional solutions and action. Fully updated with new techniques and matching exercises, plus detailed case studies drawn from life, it is packed with advice and tips on how to be more effective in making decisions to solve everyday problems.

By following the system presented in this practical book you will learn how to:

• define real problems accurately
• implement permanent solutions
• make sound decisions
• hold productive meetings
• encourage the expression of conflicting views
• promote effective teamwork

1. Introduction
• The benefits and skills
• Your objectives
2. Process Overview
• What is a problem?
• Problem anatomy
• Problem anatomy quiz
• Problem characteristics
• Case problem
• Problem-solving methodology
• Problem-solving/decision-making outline
• Sample problem-solving/decision-making outline
• Overview checklist
3. Communication Dynamics
• How to get agreement on problems
• What makes meetings work?
• Meeting roles
• The discussion leader
• Documentation during meetings
• Evaluate your next meeting
• Six steps to problem-solving and decision-making
4. Step 1: Problem Recognition
• Involving stakeholders
• Opening discussion — a good place to start
• Problem recognition techniques
• Problem recognition quiz
5. Step 2: Problem Labelling
• What is a problem label?
• How to find a problem label
• Test your work
6. Step 3: The Problem Cause Analysis
• A specific example
• The Consumer Tech root cause
• Distinguish cause from effect
• How to find the root cause
• Six techniques to identify problem causes
• Have you found the root cause?
7. Step 4: Optional Solutions
• Creativity Flowchart
• The Consumer Tech case problem unfolds
• Brainstorming tools work sheet
8. Step 5: Decision-Making
• Evaluate choices
• How to make a decision
• Decision test
9. Step 6: Action Planning
• The value of action planning
• Action planning tools
• How to handle resistance to change
• A final action plan test
10. Summary
• Evaluation of your objectives
• Personal summary

Creative techniques and a first course in management in one book. Nothing to write home about, but OK.