Contents
1 Why You Need to Be a Problem Solver
For Whom This Course Is Designed
Why Problem Solving Is Becoming a Business Necessity
Why American Employers Are Looking for Problem Solvers
The Meaning of Problem in a Business Setting
What Employers Say About Problem-solving Employees
Assume Responsibility for Solving Small Problems Yourself
Involve the Boss Early When the Problem Exceeds Your Responsibility
2 Portraits of Successful Problem Solvers
One Portrait of a Problem Solver: Andrea Jefferson
The Attributes of Successful Problem Solvers
Gathering, Sorting, and Analyzing Information
Communicating Your Ideas Effectively
3 Identifying Work-related Problems
Problem Identification Is a Real Skill
Make Sure You’re Listening for the Alarm
A Problem Interrupts the Flow of Your Work
The Yes Branch: Make Sure You Are Not Evading a Problem
The No Branch: Situations in Which You Cannot Complete Your Task
Identifying Typical Problems in the Workplace
The Importance of Defining the Problem
Learning How to Talk to Yourself: the Ws
Don’t Confuse Solutions with Problems
The Importance of Information Gathering in Problem Solving
When Information Gathering Is Appropriate
When Information Gathering Is Not Appropriate
Figuring Out What You Don’t Know
Start with the General, Then Get Specific
Research Methods: How to Find Out What You Need to Know
Understanding the Elements of a Project
Developing a Project-objective Statement
Plan the Route to Take to Get to Your Destination
Identifying Essential Project Tasks
Applying a Critical-needs Test
7 The Work Plan: Organizing and Managing Your Project Tasks
The Elements of a Work Plan: Task Analysis
8 Managing and Evaluating the Progress of Your Project
What Project Management Is All About
Turning Your Work Plan into a Project-management Tool
Establishing a Project-milestone Schedule
More Advanced Methods for Displaying Your Project-Management Plan