DECISION MAKING DEFINE THE PROBLEMISSUE Clarify Understanding Focus

DECISION MAKING

DEFINE THE PROBLEM/ISSUE • Clarify Understanding • Focus (be specific)

ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR A WORKABLE SOLUTION • Set of standards the solution must meet.

ANALYZE THE PROBLEM/ISSUE • Break the problem down into pieces for closer inspection • Fact finding

SUGGEST POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS • Brainstorming • No solution should be accepted until several have been proposed, examined, and compared.

EVALUATE EACH SOLUTION AND SELECT THE BEST • Make certain the solution is practical • Return to the criteria • The BEST solution is the one that most clearly fits the criteria

TEST OR CARRY OUT THE SOLUTION

“WHERE ALL MEN THINK ALIKE, NO ONE THINKS VERY MUCH. ” -WALTER LIPPMANN • Only when we entertain conflicting ideas can we understand how complex most problems really are. • Differences of opinion are the very heart of discussion. • Do not take attacks on our ideas personally. • In order to walk a mile in someone’s shoes, I must first remove my own. • Win/Win: Each party gains something and gives up something.

ACTIVITY • Get into groups of 5. • Choose a current issue (ban on personal music at school, dress code etc). • Define the problem. • Establish criteria for a workable solution to the problem that will appease those who support either side of the issue. (Seen as workable solutions by both supporters and opponents of the chosen issue. Win/Win) • Brainstorm solutions. • Choose the best solution based on the established criteria.