...Individual Strengths and Problem-Solving Techniques Paper PSY 430 Phillip Novick August 30, 2010 Individual Strengths and Problem-Solving Techniques Paper The greatest asset of any group is the individuals who comprise it. The diversity in which the individuals bring provides a multitude of experience supporting strengths such as critical thinking to the decision making process, and problem solving. However, there are two personality traits found within each diverse cultural background: introversion and extroversion; both of which support the group’s strengths to problem solving. The introvert thrives from being alone, and can accomplish much more than the extrovert who requires the group activity to set the work tempo (Huitt, 1992). I am one who likes to discuss the problem within the group identifying all possible solving techniques, but then prefers to go at it alone, much like an introvert, until I have at least an 80% solution prior to presenting it before the group for comment. In this two part paper, I will present a scenario in which I have worked as the example to present the following: Part I – Individual Strengths and Group Settings, and Part II – Problem Solving Techniques and Group Decision Making. Part I – Individual Strengths and Group Settings Not too long ago I was selected as the subject matter expert (SME) to represent the Marine Corps in a Department of Defense policy writing forum over a several month period in which the Chair was a...
Words: 1416 - Pages: 6
...Decision Making and Problem Solving: Benefits and Techniques Defining Problem Solving and Decision Making Definition of a Problem: A problem exists when there is a gap between what you expect to happen and what actually happens. Definition of Decision Making: Decision making is selecting a course of action from among available alternatives. The Difference between Decision Making and Problem Solving While both processes are systematic, problem solving involves defining a problem and creating solutions for it. Decision making is selecting a course of action from among available alternatives. Problem solving always involves decision making. However, not all decision making involves solving a problem. For example, a supervisor may have to make decisions about employees, resources, workload, etc. without having a problem to solve. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Process Problem solving is a process in which we perceive and resolve a gap between a present situation and a desired goal, with the path to the goal blocked by known or unknown obstacles. In general, the situation is one not previously encountered, or where at least a specific solution from past experiences is not known. In contrast, decision making is a selection process where one of two or more possible solutions is chosen to reach a desired goal. The steps in both problem solving and decision making are quite similar. In fact, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Steps in Decision Making...
Words: 2995 - Pages: 12
...Problem Solving and Decision Making: Consideration of Individual Differences Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator William G. Huitt Citation: Huitt, W. (1992). Problem solving and decision making: Consideration of individual differences using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Journal of Psychological Type, 24, 33-44. Retrieved from [date] http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/papers/prbsmbti.html Return to: | Readings in Educational Psychology | Educational Psychology Interactive | Abstract Improving individuals' and groups' abilities to solve problems and make decisions is recognized as an important issue in education, industry, and government. Recent research has identified a prescriptive model of problem solving, although there is less agreement as to appropriate techniques. Separate research on personality and cognitive styles has identified important individual differences in how people approach and solve problems and make decisions. This paper relates a model of the problem-solving process to Jung's theory of personality types (as measured by the MBTI) and identifies specific techniques to support individual differences. The recent transition to the information age has focused attention on the processes of problem solving and decision making and their improvement (e.g., Nickerson, Perkins, & Smith, 1985; Stice, 1987; Whimbey & Lochhead, 1982). In fact, Gagne (1974, 1984) considers the strategies used in these processes to be a primary outcome of modern education...
Words: 8177 - Pages: 33
...1999). Career or professional development for the purposes of this report can be defined as an attempt to help the individual analyse their abilities and interests to guide their placement, progression, and development through various assessment activities (Gunnigle & Flood, 1990, p. 172). Literature suggests that the effectiveness of several management and professional development activities can be enhanced by paying attention to managerial self-awareness and variables related to self-awareness like self-efficacy (McCarthy & Garavan, 1999). Admundson (1995), argues that the two key variables that moderate career decisions are the individual’s self-awareness and self-efficacy which are essential because high levels of self-awareness and self-efficacy enables the individual to exert more control over long term effects and are in a better posistion to respond proactively to situations. Therefore, analysing managerial and professional development in regard to self-awareness creates a positive effect to both personal and professional enhancements. This report posits the importance of managerial self-awareness to the effectiveness of personal and professional development. It aims to develop understanding of self awareness for career development gauged from feedback tools, specifically the Personal Assessment of Management Skills (PAMS) instrument. To identify strengths and skill areas for development and to identify long term career goals. Firstly, the report reviews the PAMS instrument...
Words: 2603 - Pages: 11
...Intelligence: Triarchic Teaching For Analytical Thinkers… * Analyze (a literary plot, a theory in the sciences, a mathematical problem) * Compare and Contrast (two characters in a novel, two systems of government, the styles of two artists) * Evaluate (a poem, a cultural custom, a strategy in tennis) * Explain (the use of grammar in a sentence, your interpretation of an historical event, the solution to a scientific problem) Analytical Thinkers: “I like…” * Analyzing characters when I’m reading or listening to a story * Comparing and contrasting points of view * Criticizing my own and others’ work * Thinking clearly and analytically * Evaluating my and others’ points of view * Appealing to logic * Judging my and others’ behavior * Explaining difficult problems to others * Solving Logical problems * Making inferences and deriving conclusions * Sorting and classifying * Thinking about things Outcomes of Teaching for Analytical Intelligence Analytical instruction and assessment should enable students to: * Identify the existence of problems * Define the problems * Allocate resources for solving the problems * Mentally represent the problems * Formulate strategies for solving the problems * Monitor their strategies while problem solving * Evaluate their solutions after they are done The Triarchic View of Intelligence Analytical intelligence is evoked...
Words: 3387 - Pages: 14
...Leading In Organizations “The four most common types of teams in an organization are problem solving, self-managed work teams, cross-functional teams and virtual teams” (Judge & Robbins, 2012). Problem solving entails members being able to work together to come with solutions on how to improve processes so that things will become more efficient and effective. These teams however do not have the authority to implement changes on their own. Self managed work teams usually consist of up to 15 employees that have jobs function that are related and included the responsibilities of the former superiors. They are usually responsible for the coordination of work schedules, planning, the assignment of task, making decisions in regards to operation and solving problems that arise and working with customers and vendors. Self managed work teams often choose their own team members and evaluate the performance of each other. Cross functional teams consists of members who have a different set of skills but work together on a variation of organizational tasks. They have the ability to make decision without the consent of management. The use of cross functional teams is a means of engaging people from different departments in an organization to come together to solve problems, bring new ideas to the table and manage complex issues. Virtual teams just as the name suggest are teams that use technology to work together. Collaboration is done online through the web utilizing emails and video...
Words: 532 - Pages: 3
...As a professional involved as a case manager, this person may be involved with the client from the initial assessment through termination from services (McClam & Woodside, 2012). The case manager will interview the client to determine client strengths, needs and other factors (LaTorie Horn, 2015). Establishment of goals and objectives is a process imparted by the client and case manager together. This information will be used to develop a service or treatment plan that contain the client goals and objectives. Also, referrals will be started to support the client’s needs outside of the case manager’s agency. The case manager and other helping professionals must be persistent in putting emphasis on client strengths and abilities (Brun & Rapp, 2001). Slide # 4: Every client is unique and cannot be understood in terms of their culture. Get to know the client as an individual and not associate them with a particular group. As a professional we must not associate the similarities of clients, but see every face as a new face (McClam & Woodside, 2012). When communicating with diverse populations the chosen words are important. For example; when speaking of a married couple (husband and wife) with gay men or lesbian the word would be the partner. The United States is a country with a plethora of differences. As a case manager or interviewer, care must be taken to ensure the client is respected in their differences as well as their similarities. Our differences...
Words: 1862 - Pages: 8
...Individual Strength and Problem-Solving Techniques Decision making and problem solving are two different things. The text states, “Decision making refers to the “passing of judgment on an issue under consideration” and “the act of reaching a conclusion or making up one’s mind.” Engleberg and Wynn also agree that “group decision making results in a position, opinion, judgment, or action.” (Engleberg and Wynn, 2010). The text also states that “problem solving is a more complex process in which groups analyze a problem and develop a plan of action for solving the problem or reducing its harmful effects.” (Engleberg and Wynn, 2010). I am currently the president of the youth department at my church. Not only is decision making vital to having a successful group, but problem solving as well. There are four other adults that make up the group and are responsible for a specific unit of the department. The age range is six to nineteen years old. The youth are from diverse economic backgrounds, and their problems vary from one extreme to the other. Some are members of the church and some are not. The ultimate goal of the group is to provide a safe place outside of school and home in which they can communicate their feelings, let them know that someone cares about their wellbeing and they are not alone. They teach them that they can make a positive contribution to society and they are valuable. Meetings are held twice a month, we participate in various activities around the...
Words: 1394 - Pages: 6
...for diverse personalities and learning styles Personalities and learning styles influence how one effectively communicate and collaborates with others. Understanding the characters of various individuals will enhance success of project completions, setting and accomplishing goals, and forming cohesive teams. Identifying learning and personality styles help one to avoid barriers that can hinder one from reaching important deadlines. Understanding diverse learning styles and personalities will allow one to develop strategies that will promote successful relationships and effective exchange of ideas. Communication is paramount in the academic arena. Individuals who discuss various topics must understand one another in order to reach a common understanding. Responding appropriately to questions is necessary to conclude a solution. Group effort is necessary and will require all parties to possess a mutual agreement in decision-making. Personality and learning style assessments are prominent in developing a successful plan for diverse individuals. Strategies to promote effective communication and collaboration for a learner who rely on body movements, lectures, and oral instructions, and quiet settings include assessment instruments, maximizing ones strengths and abilities, eliminating activities that are unfruitful in reaching goals, and developing skills to overcome challenges. According to Carter, Bishop, and Kravits (2007), maximizing learning styles...
Words: 536 - Pages: 3
...scenario a problem evaluation and decision making process is simulated to assist in evaluating a specific retail stores current state. A description of the types of evaluation tools and techniques used and how they assisted with the evaluation of the decision-making process and outcomes will be outlined. A consideration if other types of tools and techniques would have generated better results will be evaluated. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the decision-making process and how different tools and techniques assist with critical thinking. Credenhill is a competitive retail business which is the subject of a simulation. At this time one of Credenhill’s local stores is dealing with problems which range from low sales, unhappy employees to other issues affecting their current operations. During the simulation we went through a problem evaluation and decision-making process intended to identify Credenhill’s current state, suggest corrective actions and measurements to ensure that the outcome of the corrective actions are beneficial to the store. In the following we will discuss the tools and techniques used in the simulation during the problem evaluation and decision-making process as well as the tools and techniques we used during the process and compare the different outcomes if any at all. In experiencing the simulation, the “Urgency-Criticality Matrix,” used in the simulation resembles the “Drill Down” problem-solving tool. ...
Words: 1502 - Pages: 7
...Lovely Professional University,Punjab Format For Instruction Plan [for Courses with Lectures and Tutorials Course No CHE101 Course Category Cours Title CHEMISTRY Courses with numerical focus Course Planner 14863 :: Ashish Kumar Pandey Lectures Tutorial Practical Credits 3 1 0 4 Text Book: 1 Zumdahl,S., Chemistry: Concepts and applications, Cengage Learning,Indian Edition-2011 Other Specific Book: 2 Suba Ramesh, S.Vairam, Pradnya Tej Godbole ,Engineerig Chemistry, John Wiley, Ist edition ,2011 3 R.T. Morrison and R.N. Boyd, S.K.Bhattacharjee, Organic Chemistry, 7th Edition, Pearson Other Reading Sr No Jouranls atricles as compulsary readings (specific articles, Complete reference) 4 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1097-4601 5 http://www.springer.com/chemistry/electrochemistry/journal/10800 6 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13882481 7 http://www.springerlink.com/content/100224/ 8 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00108545 9 http://pubs.acs.org/journal/joceah 10 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00323861 Relevant Websites Sr. No. (Web adress) (only if relevant to the courses) 11 http://www.klte.hu/~lenteg/animate.html 12 http://dwb4.unl.edu/chemAnime/atomic_orbits.htm Salient Features Chemistry animation and videos Atomic orbital animations 13 http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/chemistry/essentialchemistry/fla Hybridization animation sh/hybrv18.swf 1 Approved for Spring Session 2011-12 14 http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/chemistry/animations/chang_7e...
Words: 1906 - Pages: 8
...about how the world works depending on their previous life experience, and varied skills, traditions and customs Home Culture/School Culture There will be contrasts between home and school culture – these can present extra challenges for children – especially differing expectations for independence and interdependence – book has strategies for teacher goals such as • help recognize children as individuals and as part of a group • promote both independence and interdependence • work with children to balnce assertion with respect for authority • help children recognize their areas of strength and strategize how to work on their challenges The Six Life Skills Attachment – “I have a grown-up who cherishes me and keeps me safe.” • children need this to be successful in school and life, and some children lack this trust • often the fastest way to get a child back on track is to establish a relationship between adult and child – When you strengthen your relationship with a child, you earn the possibility of influencing her development • essential and most basic of all the strengths • adults naturally express pleasure and displeasure with children’s...
Words: 1669 - Pages: 7
...the workplace in any organization has important implications for the skills that will be critical to the success of an individual in an organization. This shift involves increasing the emphasis on the group or team. Many factors are driving this shift. Technology is a primary force as tasks have grown too complex for individuals to tackle alone. In addition, competitive forces have led many organizations to flatten the organization by reducing the numbers of levels of middle managers. Shifting authority and responsibility down to the bottom level allows teams to take over functions that used to be done by management. On a macro scale, as organizations involve multiple businesses, multiple industries and multiple countries, new and complex issues are evolving that rely on numerous interdependent groups with decisions made by teams consisting of members of these various groups. Even without these forces, others have found that harnessing the potential power of the group can have a dramatic effect on productivity and job satisfaction. Today, most organizations embrace the notion of teams. Teams have become the core unit in many organizations. Part of this is based on the fact (and supported by research) that teams are more effective in solving problems and learn more rapidly than individuals. When it is working well, groups or teams can enhance problem solving and creativity, generate understanding, acceptance, support, and commitment. It can also enhance morale, provide an outlet...
Words: 1688 - Pages: 7
...Week Three: Individual Work Complete the Following Assessments Human Relations in Management – MAN3100 Complete the following assessments: 1. “Time Out: What Type of Thinker Are you?” 2. How Willing Are You to Take Risks in the Workplace? 3. Team Player Test 4. Team Role Test A. Summarize your results for each assessment B. Describe what your results suggest about your behavior and performance as a member of a group/team. C. Conclude by explaining how you could use your strengths to build an effective team and resolve conflicts. 1-A. My result on this test indicate my preference equally to both Colum I (8) & Colum II (8) and that I am a highly an Analytical and a Creative Thinker. As an Analytical Thinker: I use the left side of my brain than the right and that I’m using analysis in thinking. As a Creative Thinker: I use the right side of my brain more than the left and that I have an originality thinking or being imaginative. One is not better than the other, in fact they are both useful in their distinct ways. 2-A. Risk-taking test results show that I am more effective in risk-taking as an individual than in a group. At the same time, though, I don’t want to do something that is dangerous, therefore the probability of success must balance with the probable of failure. 3-A. my team player test results show that I am doing reasonably well in brainstorming with a group of people and I am totally free from the hindering effects of...
Words: 507 - Pages: 3
...Gonzalez, Max Ruiz, and Jamal Wood Team A Psy/430 April 6, 2011 University of Phoenix Conflict Resolution Paper In this paper the subject to go into is about a conflict about time management, a proposed resolution, personal strengths used, conflict management techniques used, other techniques that were used and how the group arrived at this decision. Time management Time management consists of time spent, increased productivity, and is aided by skills or techniques such as planning, allocating, and goal setting. Time management occurs when projects, goals or tasks are accomplished in a timely manner. Time management is the conflict that the team is suffering from (Answers Corporation, 2011). Each member had the opportunity to meet in person or do work over the Internet through e-mails. The team agreed to e-mail because of conflict of work schedules and distance from one another. The problem started when members of the team were turning work in late and there was not anytime to submit work into write point for corrections, and the members were not responding to his or her e-mails and that started the lack of communication. Proposed solution The team came together to strategize and come up with a solution to help accommodate this problem. The decision to make one member in charge of contacting each member was a suggestion, but over ruled. Each member agreed to make a phone call to contact members once an e-mail was sent. This way each member is aware of the e-mail...
Words: 1304 - Pages: 6
