The document discusses improving personal and group effectiveness through problem solving. It introduces the PAPER method, a 5-step problem solving process of defining the problem, analyzing it, planning solutions, executing a plan, and reviewing results. Mastering problem solving enhances key executive competencies like assessing situations, decision making, communication, and working with others. It allows goals to be achieved by resolving obstacles and improving various performance areas. Common reasons problems go unsolved include lack of a systematic approach and not dedicating enough time and resources.

1. Increasing Personal & Group Effectiveness Through Problem Solving Learning skills to apply in any situation to achieve desired results Frank Poltenson | Business Consultant Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2011 All rights reserved.

2. Workshop Premise Effectiveness is the most important executive attribute. Problems (any undesirable situation) hinder effectiveness. Resolving problems is the most effective action an individual or group can take to improve results. Effective problem solving requires a systematic and disciplined approach. The US ranks 25th of 30 developed countries in math & problem solving competency. The PAPER system provides an effective problem-solving method for better results. Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2011 All rights reserved.

3. Increasing EffectivenessWhy is this so important? People, working individually or in teams, are continually tasked with producing results. Parties who work together using a common language and common effective methods will achieve better results faster with more efficiency and likelihood of success than those left to their own devices. The ability to reach a goal requires special skills. Your ability to “solve problems” makes you more effective in delivering material contribution to your company. Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2009 All rights reserved.

4. What abilities make you effective?What are the essential competencies of the Effective Executive (i.e You)? The ability to materially contribute The ability to assess situations The ability to make good decisions The ability to execute The ability to communicate The ability to work with others Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2009 All rights reserved.

5. Problem Solving & EffectivenessThe activities of problem solving directly enhance the executive’s competencies Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2011 All rights reserved.

6. Areas Where “Problem Solving” Improves Performance: Achieving goals, resolving impediments to reaching goals Closing new sales, preventing lost sales Generating new marketing or business plans Improving customer retention Reducing off-grade or rejects or improving productivity Profit improvement initiatives Reducing interpersonal friction Increasing Effectiveness Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2009 All rights reserved.

7. Why Problems Don’t Get Fixed (completely, correctly, or at all) No System: Going from a “Problem” straight to a “Solution”. Most problems are not thought through or well defined which yields a mediocre solution. The problem remains unsolved. There’s not enough time and energy devoted to fix problems; people are too busy with urgent things. “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” “It’s not my job.” Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2009 All rights reserved.

8. The 5 Step Problem Solving Process: Acronym PAPER Problem Analyze Plan Execute Review The method taught here is intended to be flexible so it can be applied anytime, effective so it is of use, and simple so it is not constricted by procedure or requiring specialists. Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2009 All rights reserved.

9. Quick ConclusionsQuotes from an expert on deduction: "It is a capital mistake to theorize in advance of the facts” "The temptation to form premature theories upon insufficient data is the bane of our profession” As you proceed with information collection, provisional solutions will present themselves. Write them down, but… Don’t let an initial potential solution blind you to other possibilities (the Anchoring error). Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2009 All rights reserved. Sherlock Holmes

10. Choosing among optionsTo pick the best plan, what’s most important? Anticipated results Probability of success Time, money, resources Benefit/Cost analysis: ROI Simplicity of execution Importance of results Policy Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2009 All rights reserved. Stakeholders pick the option that best fits their priorities.

11. Why Projects FailSuccess and Failure are opposite sides of the same coin Fuzzy objectives Negotiating to failure Lack of management commitment Insufficient resources Project management skills Method Leadership Execution Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2009 All rights reserved.

12. Frank Poltenson | Business ConsultantDovetail Development Company404-797-5445fpoltenson@mindspring.com Property of Dovetail Development Company. © 2009 All rights reserved.