Problems! Problems!™ | Problem-Solving Training Activity

• Define a problem clearly before trying to solve it
• Use a structured approach
• Avoid making assumptions
• Utilise some common problem-solving techniques
• Be logical and objective

Ten problems and 60 minutes means teams have just six minutes per problem. They are a mixture of work-based issues and conventional conundrums that together highlight some key approaches to problem solving.

For each problem teams identify a specific problem solving approach or rule: lateral thinking, brainstorming, step-by-step logic and ‘fish-boning’ can all be used.

• Do teams assess the difficulty of each problem?
• Do they use special skills within the group?
• Do they have a strategy?
• Do they complete all ten problems?

And do they make the best use of the limited time? The lessons at the end – fully laid out in the Trainer’s Guide (along with all the solutions and explanations) - can all be related to what happens at work when problems arise.

Observer’s Forms and Team Assessment Forms provide for in-depth assessment of the problem solving competencies. Handouts on Key Points give participants something tangible to use for reference back at work.

Problems! Problems! provides a valuable opportunity to think about different theories of problem solving and put them to the test.

1. Introduce the activity.
2. Issue Team Briefs and Solutions Sheets.
3. Allow 60 minutes for teams to try and accomplish their objective of solving all ten problems.
4. Observe the teams in action. Observer’s Forms are included.
5. Lead a Debrief on the issues raised and relate back to the workplace.

Full guidance supplied in the Trainer’s Notes.

Hard & Digital Copy

• ☑️ Hard copy pack supplied
• ☑️ PDFs supplied

Digital Copy

• ☑️ PDFs supplied

Contents

• Trainer’s Notes
• Team Briefs
• Solutions Sheet
• Handout 1: Initial Ideas
• Handout 2: Observer's Form
• Handout 3: Observer's Review Form
• Handout 4: Team Review Form
• Handout 5: Key Points
• Handout 6: Action Plan

This activity is for face-to-face classroom and virtual classroom use. The digital files are supplied via the Northgate Trainerhub.

This Northgate Training activity comes with a five-year licence for repeat use with up to 24 participants at a time, for use by Trainers based at one licence-holding site.

All Trainers physically based at the same office location can access the Northgate resources during the five-year term, including the digital resources supplied on the Trainerhub via your own site-specific Trainer Dashboard. If you have Trainers based at other locations, and/or remote workers, who would like to access and use the Northgate resources, we can advise further depending on your requirements.

For further information on our licence terms please view the Northgate Licence Agreement.