Survey Questions: Problem Solving
Definition: Problem solving is the process of identifying, analyzing, and addressing challenges through a structured approach that combines creativity, logic, and collaboration. It involves defining problems, gathering relevant information, conducting root cause analysis, and considering alternate perspectives to develop balanced, innovative solutions that align with criteria and constraints. Effective problem solvers implement action plans proactively, allocate resources strategically, and monitor and adjust solutions as needed, maintaining persistence and responsiveness while fostering teamwork and adaptability.
Problem DefinitionProblem Definition emphasizes the identification and understanding of challenges. It involves recognizing emerging or existing issues, diagnosing their root causes, and clearly articulating the discrepancy between expected and actual outcomes. This dimension ensures that problems are well-defined, measured, and communicated to lay a solid foundation for developing solutions.
- My manager is effective in assessing the size and impact of the problem to better understand where resources may be needed.
- Coworkers are able to recognize the challenges that have emerged or are about to emerge.
- The supervisor clarifies objectives and the current scenario to help employees grasp the problem.
- I know how to determine what needs fixed, its root causes, and the correct solutions to be implemented.
- The team leader clearly articulates expected outcomes and the current situation to foster a shared understanding of the problem among team members.
- The supervisor is keen to pinpoint the issues that have arisen or are about to arise.
- My colleagues are skilled at quickly diagnosing issues, identifying root causes, and developing and implementing effective solutions in the workplace.
- The department head measures the discrepancy between expected outcomes and actual performance.
- Senior leadership is effective in communicating goals and the present situation to ensure everyone understands the problem.
- The project manager illuminates problems by identifying the gap between expected outcomes and the current situation.
- The safety inspector adequately identifies the problems that have occurred or are likely to occur.
- The manager effectively establishes the issues that have gone wrong or are about to go wrong.
EffectivenessEffectiveness highlights the execution and ownership of problem-solving. It reflects the ability to take responsibility for resolving issues, address them comprehensively, and implement solutions that close the gap between current situations and desired results. Effectiveness also underscores a collaborative, outcome-oriented approach that avoids assigning blame and focuses on achieving practical results.
- The project manager focuses solutions on closing the gap between expected outcomes and the current situation.
- My manager is skilled at solving problems that involve political biases, conflicting evidence, and/or lack of data.
- My Department works toward solving problems, not assigning blame
- I believe I have an attitude of "owning a problem" that comes to my attention, rather than "passing the buck"
- I feel I am effective in solving problems.
- The team leader is an effective problem-solver.
- Senior leadership are able to solve difficult problems with ease.
- We resolve issues in our organization without resorting to blame, anger, or retribution.
- I believe that other staff in the Company have an attitude of "owning a problem" that comes to their attention, rather than "passing the buck"
- When solving problems, I utilize concrete measures of the gap between expected and observed outcomes so that the effectiveness of solutions can be determined.
- My department head is a good problem solver and decision maker.
- My supervisor is effective in solving difficult problems.
Root Cause AnalysisRoot Cause Analysis emphasizes the deep investigation to pinpoint the underlying origins of a problem, rather than addressing superficial symptoms. This dimension is about systematically diagnosing issues at their core and ensuring solutions tackle the source of the problem to prevent recurrence. It centers on understanding why a problem exists and resolving it fundamentally.
- Our department conducts a meticulous investigation of incidents to ensure no possible cause is overlooked.
- The team leader closely examines all the contributing factors to identify the root cause of issues.
- People in my department conduct a thorough and careful analysis of the underlying causes of a problem.
- I am able to understand the root causes of most problems.
- My manager is adept at solving problems at root cause rather than at symptom level.
- My Department focuses on solving problems instead of finding fault
- The colleagues I work with are able to isolate the main problem.
- My supervisor actively seeks the root cause of a problem.
- Problems are solved at the root cause, not just at the symptom level
- People in my department solve problems at root cause rather than at symptom level.
- Our team pinpoints the origins of the issue to tackle the root causes and solve the problem at its source.
- The supervisor effectively diagnoses the root causes of a problem.
- In my job I focus on problem solving instead of fault finding
- Coworkers regularly solve problems at root cause rather than at symptom level.
Information Gathering/CollectionInformation Gathering/Collection focuses on the process of acquiring relevant and accurate data to better understand the problem and evaluate potential solutions. This dimension involves gathering knowledge, asking the right questions, and consulting various sources to build a comprehensive foundation for decision-making. It centers on understanding what the problem entails and collecting resources necessary to address it.
- When something goes wrong, my coworkers are usually able to get accurate information about it.
- The department head gathers input from staff for use in problem solving.
- Employees seek to acquire new information and knowledge before deciding on a course of action when problem solving
- My supervisor accurately evaluates the implications of new information or events.
- The team leader asks the right questions to size up or evaluate situations.
- My manager analyzes systems and processes for opportunities to gain efficiency.
- I know how to determine what facts are relevant.
- The team leader tries to gather relevant information from team members.
- The project manager gathers information on the problem and each solution, covering costs, benefits, risks, feasibility, and business impact.
- The team leader gathers input from various team members helps to ensure that the problem is fully understood from all angles, reducing the risk of oversight.
- Senior managers are effective in inferring important trends from data.
- I know how to conduct a thorough Critical Incident interview.
- The team leader is adept at conducting an exhaustive Critical Incident interview.
- The team leader regularly solicits for information about problems from team members.
- I am able to collect relevant information and data about problems in the production line.
- My supervisor asks the "right" questions to size up or evaluate situations.
Considers Alternate PerspectivesConsiders Alternate Perspectives emphasizes the evaluation of different viewpoints and potential solutions. This dimension involves systematically analyzing options, comparing alternatives, and incorporating diverse perspectives to select the best course of action. It focuses on aligning solutions with business priorities, feasibility, and objectives, ensuring that all angles are weighed before implementation.
- My supervisor selects the solution that best addresses the problem's objectives, aligns with business priorities, and is feasible to implement.
- Our team creates a table or chart to compare the solutions side-by-side across all evaluation criteria.
- Managers compare "best practice" performance to our current situation and then decide on the most effective improvements.
- Employees in my department evaluates alternative courses of action before making a decision.
- Team leaders acknowledge the unique viewpoints and perspectives of other team members to lead to more innovative and comprehensive solutions.
- The senior leadership is able to meet the needs of different constituents in the solution of a problem.
- The manager is effective in balancing the needs of different people in a solution to a problem.
- The supervisor evaluates whether the necessary resources (budget, personnel, time, technology) are available to implement each solution.
- The project manager clearly documents the decision-making process, including the evaluation criteria, the scores or rankings of each solution, and the reasons for selecting the chosen option.
- Colleagues are open to suggestions from others when working on a problem.
FlexibilityFlexibility focuses on the adaptability and versatility of approaches when addressing problems. It highlights the ability to modify strategies, tools, and solutions in response to changing circumstances or incomplete information. This dimension emphasizes smooth transitions between different techniques, embracing uncertainty, and employing diverse methodologies tailored to the situation at hand.
- My department utilizes a variety of approaches and tools to tackle issues in various contexts.
- The team leader is smooth and seamless in transitions between different ideas and approaches, avoiding getting stuck in one line of thinking.
- My manager demonstrates flexibility in problem-solving with a diverse array of methods and resources suited to various scenarios.
- Our department possesses a broad skill set and toolkit to address different challenges effectively.
- Supervisors effectively use a variety of problem-solving/analytical approaches to address challenges within the Area.
- The project manager modifies approaches and solutions to fit changing circumstances or unexpected obstacles.
- In my department, we are able to quickly adapt and change course as new information emerges or the situation evolves.
- My coworkers are comfortable with uncertainty and can work effectively even when all the information is not yet available.
- I know how to adapt to different problems by applying a wide range of strategies and techniques.
- I feel the department head is a versatile problem-solver with a wide range of tools and techniques at their disposal to apply them appropriately to different situations.
Balances Criteria/solutionsBalances Criteria/solutions emphasizes the evaluation and harmonization of constraints, criteria, and competing demands within problem-solving. It involves systematically analyzing proposed solutions by weighing risks, benefits, and feasibility while taking multiple perspectives into account. This dimension prioritizes decision-making that balances practicalities and effectiveness to achieve the best possible outcome.
- I am comfortable solving problems that require several different criteria or constraints.
- The project lead analyzes both the potential risks and benefits associated with each proposed solution.
- The team leader weighs the pros and cons of proposed solutions.
- When an issue arises affecting the organization, we construct solutions by taking into account everyone's needs.
- In our department, we analyze the potential success of proposed solutions.
- My coworkers are good at assessing whether the proposed solutions are practical and achievable.
- My manager assesses the extent to which proposed solutions would lead to success.
- Team members balance requirements with optional items to determine the ideal solutions to problems.
- Colleagues integrate short-term and long-term impacts of each option, ensuring that solutions do not create downstream risks, costs, or operational burdens.
- My manager solves problems that have difficult or conflicting constraints.
- The manager is able to solve problems with multiple criteria that need to be met.
- My team adjusts solutions and re-balances the criteria iteratively when new constraints, data, or stakeholder needs emerge.
BrainstormingBrainstorming centers on the generation of ideas and solutions through open, creative collaboration. It highlights the importance of creating an environment where team members feel free to share thoughts, build on each other's ideas, and explore unique approaches. This dimension is less about evaluation and more about fostering creativity and the rapid development of a wide range of possibilities.
- Our team strengthens team cohesion and communication to facilitate effective brainstorming sessions.
- Team leaders create an environment where team members feel free to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of criticism.
- The project manager uses a structured process to evaluate ideas generated from a brainstorming session based on their feasibility, cost, potential impact, and alignment with business goals.
- Our department values the diversity of thought that can uncover unique angles and approaches that might not emerge in a more homogeneous group.
- My manager is good at bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints, brainstorming harnesses a wide range of insights.
- Supervisors facilitate rapid development and exchange of ideas.
- The Company identifies a variety of solutions and weighs the value of each before implementing changes
- The team leader allows team members to build on each other's ideas, leading to the development of more refined and robust solutions.
- Our department generates a wide range of possible solutions.
- The team generate alternative solutions to problems and challenges.
- My colleagues try to identify and assess all potential responses to a problem.
- The team leader chooses a diverse group with relevant expertise and perspectives for a brainstorming session.
Logical ThinkingLogical Thinking centers on structured, systematic reasoning to address challenges. It emphasizes analyzing data, identifying patterns, simplifying problems, and employing tools like charts and calendars to visualize solutions. This dimension relies on clear, fact-based judgment and analytical techniques to make decisions that are methodical and grounded in evidence.
- My team works to simplify problems to make them more manageable
- My team breaks complex issues into smaller, analyzable components to isolate the true problem rather than treating symptoms.
- My manager identifies logical inconsistencies or gaps in proposals, plans, or data and resolves them before implementation.
- My director uses charting tools to identify patterns in data.
- My department evaluates assumptions explicitly, distinguishing what is known, what is inferred, and what must be validated before moving forward.
- My Supervisor is comfortable using analytic techniques to solve problems
- My manager analyzes the information available, considers alternatives, makes the best choice available.
- Supervisors are effective in making judgments based upon relevant information.
- My colleagues solve problems using logic and insight.
- Managers construct clear cause-and-effect chains to understand how decisions, constraints, and variables interact before committing to a solution.
- The supervisor tests solution hypotheses using small pilots, simulations, or controlled trials.
- I know how to use tools like Gantt charts and resource calendars can help visualize and manage solutions.
- Managers use structured comparison methods (decision matrices, pros/cons grids, scenario tables) to contrast alternatives in a rational, transparent way.
Creative/Innovative ThinkingCreative/Innovative Thinking focuses on exploration and ingenuity. It highlights generating fresh, unconventional ideas, questioning traditional assumptions, and crafting unique solutions to challengesâeven under constraints like limited resources. This dimension encourages flexibility and originality, pushing boundaries to uncover novel approaches that might not emerge from purely logical analysis.
- Our team develops innovative solutions to problems.
- Our team generates innovative and practical ideas and approaches.
- My manager reframes problems and challenges in a way that reveals new solution paths not previously visible.
- My manager is effective in developing innovative products and services.
- Coworkers in my department design low-risk experiments or prototypes to quickly test unconventional ideas.
- My supervisor identifies fresh approaches and shows a willingness to question traditional assumptions.
- Our department finds creative ways to get things done with limited resources.
- Employees in my department combine ideas from unrelated domains (technologies, industries, or past experiences) to create hybrid solutions that are both original and practical.
- I have the ability and autonomy to develop innovative solutions to problems.
- I am able to develop innovative solutions to problems.
- Senior leadership uses creative thinking to develop new solutions to problems.
- My supervisor develops creative solutions.
Evaluation of OptionsEvaluation of Options focuses on analyzing, comparing, and selecting the most effective solution before taking action. This dimension highlights conducting cost-benefit analyses, reviewing alternatives, assessing feasibility, considering department goals, and determining the impact of recommended solutions. It prioritizes critical thinking and decision-making, ensuring teams carefully weigh their choices before committing to a course of action.
- The team leader compares analogous situations transferring insights to new situations.
- My department chair selects the solution best aligned with the department's goals.
- The quality control inspector evaluates potential solutions based on cost, feasibility, and probability of success.
- The department head determines the impact of recommended solutions.
- Our team identifies potential courses of action.
- The supervisor is effective in deciding which alternative solutions would have the greatest chance of success.
- My manager analyzes alternatives and selects the best course of action.
- The project manager compares the proposed solutions against each other and against any existing solutions to determine which one is likely to yield the best results.
- Our manager uses a consistent method to evaluate each potential solution against the defined criteria.
- Employees in my department know how to conduct a cost-benefit analysis for each solution to determine its financial viability and potential return on investment.
- Leaders identify problems, collect information from various sources, and synthesize that information into effective solutions
ImplementationImplementation emphasizes executing the chosen solution through structured planning, resource allocation, and task coordination. This dimension centers on assigning responsibilities, setting deadlines, deploying resources, establishing protocols, and monitoring the effectiveness of the implemented solution. It prioritizes action and execution, ensuring strategies are successfully carried out to resolve the identified problem.
- The team implements solutions and evaluates results.
- My department implements actions as planned to address the problems.
- Our department implements effective solutions to critical problems.
- The project manager effectively implements solutions to solve problems.
- The project manager develops a schedule and gathers the necessary materials and tools.
- My manager assigns individuals the responsibility for completing separate phases of the implementation.
- My manager develops and implements clear guidelines and protocols for handling tasks.
- The team leader sets realistic deadlines for each action step and for the overall completion of the solution.
- Our project manager creates a project plan to implement the solution and collects all required resources.
- The supervisor establishes a timeline for implementation and organizes the needed supplies and equipment.
Proactive/Risk AssessmentProactive/Risk Assessment focuses on anticipating potential issues before they arise and taking preventive action to mitigate risks. This dimension highlights preemptive problem resolution, investing in preventative maintenance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, training teams to identify risks, and analyzing potential threats before they escalate. It prioritizes risk mitigation and foresight, ensuring that organizations take preventive measures rather than reacting to crises.
- Associates use data and trend analysis to spot emerging issues before they escalate.
- We work to anticipate problems and develop appropriate solutions
- The supervisor takes preventative action to address issues before they become difficult to manage.
- The project manager ensures that staff have the necessary training and are informed about best practices and procedures.
- Our team invests in training and development programs to equip team members with the skills and knowledge they need to identify and solve problems effectively.
- The manager identifies and analyzes potential risks in advance.
- My manager creates clear contingency plans for high-impact scenarios, ensuring the team knows exactly how to respond if unexpected challenges arise.
- My supervisor anticipates potential problems dealing with them in advance.
- Managers review workflows and cross-team dependencies to uncover hidden bottlenecks or vulnerabilities.
- The department head encourages employees to suggest ways to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and prevent potential problems.
- My manager fosters a willingness to experiment and try new things, even if there's a risk of failure.
- Our department routinely checks and maintains equipment, systems, or processes to catch any signs of wear or inefficiency before they turn into bigger issues.
- My Department anticipates and resolves problems
Action PlanningAction Planning focuses on developing a structured and strategic sequence of steps to implement solutions effectively. This dimension highlights identifying necessary resources, determining task dependencies, setting measurable goals, establishing timelines, and ensuring stakeholder communication. It prioritizes proactive organization and execution, ensuring solutions are carefully mapped out and systematically carried through.
- The project manager establishes the sequence of tasks, taking into account dependencies.
- The manager clearly communicates the action plan to all employees, including team members, management, and other affected parties.
- The project leader plans the order of actions, considering any interdependent steps.
- My manager identifies and assembles the necessary resources (e.g., budget, tools, equipment, personnel) required to implement the action plan.
- The supervisor establishes clear, measurable goals that the action plan aims to achieve.
- Team leaders check regularly to ensure that team members stay on track to implementing the solution and address any issues that arise.
- The team leader creates a timeline for completing the action steps including deadlines for each task and milestones to be achieved.
- The supervisor sets up clear communication (e.g., regular meetings, email updates, project management software) to keep employees updated of action plans.
- My manager determines the order in which the action steps need to be completed including steps that may be dependent on others.
- Senior leadership identifies all stakeholders who need to be kept informed about the action plan and its progress.
Resource Allocation
- My project manager assigns the right people with the right skills to the right tasks taking into account experience, expertise, and availability.
- Supervisors maximize return on investment in problem-solving efforts by using resources wisely.
- My manager allocates resources strategically to areas with higher risk potential.
- The supervisor ensures that the right resources are available when and where they are needed, speeding up the problem-solving process.
- My manager identifies the specific resources required to tackle different aspects of a problem and then assigns the resources where they'll have the greatest impact.
- The project leader optimizes resource utilization, reducing waste and maximizing efficacy of the solutions implemented.
- The department head establishes realistic budgets consistent with strategic objectives.
- The team leader ensures that critical aspects of the solution to the problem are well-supported and less likely to encounter issues.
- Senior leadership strategically distributes resources (people/time/money) to maximize chances of solving the problem efficiently and effectively.
- My manager prioritizes which problems need to be addressed based on their potential impact on the business.
Monitoring and AdjustingMonitoring and Adjusting emphasizes actively tracking the effectiveness of implemented solutions and making necessary modifications in response to emerging trends and feedback. This dimension centers on data analytics, performance tracking, continuous assessment, adjusting strategies as needed, and refining processes based on insights. It prioritizes optimization and adaptability, ensuring that solutions evolve and remain effective over time.
- My manager gathers relevant data to track the solution's performance and identify any trends or patterns.
- Our department continuously monitors performance after implementing a solution to ensure it remains effective.
- The Quality Control manager conducts ongoing monitoring and follow-up to ensure the solution's continued success and to catch any unintended consequences.
- Our team implements the ongoing tracking of key metrics and indicators to ensure the solution continues to perform as expected.
- My manager is effective in using data analytics to identify patterns and trends that may indicate emerging issues.
- Our team leader creates systems for gathering and acting on feedback from employees, customers, and stakeholders.
- Our department head provides a comprehensive assessment of the solution's overall effectiveness, efficiency, and impact, often including both quantitative and qualitative data.
- The manager measures the solution's impact on the desired outcomes and identifies any deviations from the expected performance.
- My supervisor selects operating indicators to track organizational performance over time and communicates current status to the organization
- Our department links process improvement and results improvement.
ResponsiveResponsive emphasizes adapting quickly to unforeseen challenges, adjusting strategies when needed, and maintaining flexibility in problem-solving efforts. This dimension centers on handling difficult situations efficiently, modifying solutions based on feedback, staying composed under pressure, and reacting swiftly to obstacles. It prioritizes agility and adaptability, ensuring that solutions remain effective in evolving circumstances.
- I deal effectively and in a timely manner with difficult people and poor performers.
- My manager remains calm and composed under pressure to think clearly and respond appropriately to unforeseen challenges.
- The project manager reacts to unforeseen consequences of implemented solutions to problems.
- Coworkers in my department seek timely input from stakeholders when a problem emerges.
- Our team leader is flexible and adjusts the solution as needed based on the monitoring data and feedback received.
- The team leader leverages available resources efficiently and is quick to find alternative solutions when obstacles occur.
- My coworkers regularly assesses the situation and the effectiveness of solutions.
- Our manager reprioritizes tasks and reallocates resources when urgent issues arise.
- My manager is flexible and willing to adjust their approach when new information or changes in the environment arise.
- Our supervisor is able to respond swiftly to keep the problem-solving process moving forward without unnecessary delays.
- Our department responds quickly to problems as they arise.
Collaboration
- The manager involves the whole department in the problem-solving process to foster a sense of collective responsibility and investment in the outcome.
- The project manager facilitates cross-functional discussions to gather diverse perspectives.
- Our department involves team members in discussions and planning to gain their endorsement before rolling out a new solution.
- The project leader secures the employees' agreement and commitment prior to implementing changes to prevent resistance.
- My manager creates an environment where team members feel safe to challenge assumptions and propose alternative viewpoints.
- Supervisors encourage the sharing of information, concerns, and ideas to prevent problems from being overlooked.
- Our leadership gets buy-in from constituents before implementing solutions.
- Supervisors work cooperatively with others to solve problems.
- Managers engage employees in the decision-making process to ensure their support before introducing a solution to a major problem.
- The team leader engages the team in discussions about the problem to enhance communication and teamwork, which aids in identifying and implementing the best solutions.
- We work together to solve problems
Persistence
- Our division remains resilient and motivated when encountering challenges or setbacks.
- My manager works diligently until the problem is solved.
- The supervisor works extra as needed to find the best solution to a problem.
- I maintain a strong and determined attitude in the face of difficulties.
- The supervisor keeps a positive outlook and perseveres through difficult challenges.
- My supervisor stays positive and driven despite obstacles.
- My department bounces back from setbacks and learn from failures, adapting and adjusting approaches as needed.
- My coworkers demonstrate unwavering persistence even when facing setbacks.
- My manager assumes new and difficult challenges and manages them as opportunities.