Problem Solving in Recreation and Parks Teaching Resources

Problem Solving in Recreation and Parks Teaching Resources Lecture Tools

Everyone has problems. They might lie with our jobs, health, school, careers, families, clubs, group activities, or in our relationships with others. With the fast pace of today’s life, many of us face several important problems all at once! Each stage of life brings new problems or changes that make it necessary to adjust previously made decisions. We are obligated to make up our minds on matters concerning home life, work, community activities, and even organizational and governmental issues.

Why We Don’t Solve Problems • Lack of discipline • Habit – Comfortable • Perceptions – Point of view • Fear – Failure – Risk – Rejection • Assumptions • History • Change • Prejudice • Lack of self-discipline • Commitment

Characteristics of a Successful Problem Solver • Reasoning ability • Problem sensitivity • Flexibility • Fluency of thinking • Originality

Ways We Think Analytical Judicial Political Creative Pure Logic Law Bureaucratic Organized Mind Wandering • Mathematics • Rules and regulations • Maneuvering • Systems analysis • Policies • Compromise • Operations research • Acceptance • Planning • Influence • • • Suspend judgment Serendipity Exploration Dreaming Irrelevant to relevant

Issues Facing the Recreation and Park Profession • Financial conservatism • Increased fees • Age grouping • Public policy • Environment • Private sector role • Leisure behavior – technology • Leisure education

Why Managers Encounter Problems With Delegation • Lack of understanding about delegation • Lack of job training • Lack of confidence by supervisors - Subordinates • Lack of confidence by supervisors - Themselves • Unwillingness to take risk • Fear subordinates will do good job • Liking by supervisor for particular job • Desire for perfection • Things are going well as they are

Groupthink When social pressure on group members becomes so great that norms evolve that will preserve group relations. The desire for cohesiveness and group concurrence is so high that it interferes with critical thinking and destroys realistic appraisal of alternatives. Intruders keep out!

Symptoms of Groupthink • Always agree • Inept • Avoid disagreement • Collective rationalization • Esprit de corps • Group “stick-togetherness” • Unethical/Illegal Notes

Preventing Groupthink • Leader encouragement • Look for alternatives • Disagreement is okay • Discuss advantages and disadvantages • Reaction of “outside” group

Action Plans Action plans determine how to achieve specific objectives. Action plans incorporate five substeps: • Programming – Establishing a sequence of actions to achieve objectives • Scheduling – Establishing time requirements for action steps • Budgeting – Determining and assigning the resources to achieve objectives • Fixing Accountability – Assigning people who will see to the accomplishments of the objectives • Reviewing and Reconciling – Testing and revising a tentative plan

Sample Objectives To improve park district mechanics’ performance in basic auto repair skills by a minimum of 10%, as measured by standard tests, by May 31, not to exceed 150 hours and not to exceed $1, 000. To complete conversion of park district financial records to microfilm by October 2017 at a contract cost not to exceed $15, 000 and at a staff coordination cost not to exceed 200 work hours.

Successful Brainstorming Sessions • Away from phones • 5– 7 in group • Be careful of levels • Some can’t • Preparation • Keep ideas short

Your Solution Is Accepted – Now What? • Inform – persuade – convince • Effort in selecting decision • Overcome objection • Overcome change • Be prepared for emotional and cultural blocks Notes

Brainstorming • Criticism out • Original – creative • Quantity • Combine – improve

Traits of Creative People 1. In relation to others: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. 2. In job attitudes: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. Preference for things and ideas to people High regard for intellectual interests Less emphasis on and value in job security Less enjoyment in and satisfaction from work and routine High level of resourcefulness and adaptability Skeptical Precise, critical Honesty, integrity Ability to toy with elements – capacity to be puzzled High tolerance for ambiguity Persistence Emphasis on theoretical values Attitudes toward self: 3. Not a joiner Independent Dominant Assertive, bold, courageous Little interest in interpersonal relations Independence from parents Independence of judgment, especially under pressure Conventional morality Introspective, egocentric, internally preoccupied Openness to new experiences Less in need to protect self Great awareness of self Inner maturity Great strength of character Highly responsive emotionally Less emotionally stable Less self-acceptance Other characteristics: 4. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Spontaneity, enthusiasm Stubbornness Originality Adventurousness High excitability and irritability Compulsivity Complexity as a person Anxiety

Skills Managers Should Have • Energy • Self-confidence • Mental toughness – skill mastery • Set goals • Personal commitment • Love and concern for others • Integrity • Physical fitness