Competency: Problem Solving

Assessments Measuring Problem Solving:
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)

Definition: Able to efficiently identify, determine cause, propose and implement solutions to solve problems in the workplace.

Analytical

Able to balance the needs of different people in a solution to a problem.
Identifies and assesses all potential responses to a problem.
Solves problems using logic and insight.
Analyzes systems and processes for opportunities to gain efficiency.
Evaluates alternative courses of action.
Solves problems that have difficult or conflicting constraints.
Solves problems that require several different criteria or constraints.
Able to meet the needs of different constituents in the solution of a problem.
Infers important trends from data.
Able to solve problems with multiple criteria that need to be met.
Analyzes alternatives and selects a course of action.
Effectively uses a variety of problem-solving/analytical approaches to address challenges within the Area.
Uses charting tools to identify patterns in data.
Compares analogous situations transferring insights to new situations.

Gets to the Root Cause

Ability to solve problems at root cause rather than at symptom level.
Understands the root causes of problems.
Actively seeks the root cause of a problem.
Solves problems at root cause rather than at symptom level.
Is able to isolate the main problem.
Able to solve problems at root cause rather than at symptom level.

Effective

Is a good problem solver and decision maker
Works cooperatively with others to solve problems.
Implements solutions and evaluates results.
Solves difficult problems with ease.
Links process improvement and results improvement
Establishes realistic budgets consistent with strategic objectives
Assumes new and difficult challenges and manages them as opportunities.

Seeks Data and Input

Makes judgments based upon relevant information.
Accurately evaluates the implications of new information or events.
Collects relevant information and data.
Gathers input from staff for use in problem solving.
Asks the "right" questions to size up or evaluate situations.
Selects operating indicators to track organizational performance over time and communicates current status to the organization
Asks the right questions to size up or evaluate situations.
Has the ability to compare "best practice" performance to current situation and affect improvements.
Determines the impact of recommended solutions.
Open to the suggestions of others when working on a problem.

Resourceful

Finds creative ways to get things done with limited resources.

Creativity and Innovation

Ability to develop innovative solutions to problems.
Generates alternative solutions to problems and challenges.
Identifies fresh approaches and shows a willingness to question traditional assumptions.
Able to develop innovative solutions to problems.
Develops creative solutions.
Effective in developing innovative products and services.
Develops innovative solutions to problems.
Generates innovative and practical ideas and approaches.

Task Oriented

Works extra as needed to find the best solution to a problem.
Works diligently until the problem is solved.

Effective

Effective in solving problems.
Implements effective solutions to critical problems.
Effective in solving difficult problems.
Effective problem-solver