Problem-solving training

Stressors which can be eliminated, should actively be addressed – for example, via talking to your supervisor or through conscious problem-solving; and when it comes to problems in dealing with employees, exchange ideas with management and colleagues. Afterwards, this often allows to get in touch with the team member in a more emotionally light-hearted and solution-oriented manner. The problem solving training originates from the so-called cognitive behavioral therapy. The aim is to analyze a problem in several steps and to find solutions preferably together with others (e.g. with colleagues you trust). Take 45 minutes of time and test directly the first 4 steps of the problem-solving training!

1. Problem definition

   What problem do you want to analyze? Describe it in concrete terms. What do you think and what do you feel when the problem occurs? How does your body react? How do you react? And how do the other people in your environment behave?

2. Problem analysis

   How long has the problem already existed? What was the trigger? Under which conditions is the problem maintained? How does the problem affect your life? How have you already tried to solve the problem? When was the problem not as bad? Why?

3. Formulation of goals

   What changes in regards to the problem do you want to make? What outcome do you want in this problem-solving-training? How will you know that the problem has been solved?

4. Solution collection and selection

   What are the ideas for solving the problem? Even crazy sounding answers are allowed … Which attitudes would be helpful for you (e.g. “I cannot please everybody”)? (in the form of brainstorming: as many solutions as possible! First of all, this part is not about evaluation. The evaluation will take place in step 2; it is best to work on this step of the Problem-solving training together with others; or even better: Remove yourself from the others, while they – completely unaffected by you – produce ideas) Which ideas would you like to test in the real world? From which solution do you hope to gain the most?

5. Problem-Solving-Test in reality

   When do you want to implement the solution in a real situation? Do it!

6. Result evaluation

   Which solution has proven itself to be successful? With what do you want to continue? What shall be your next step?

7. Transfer Solution

   To which other situations, can the findings from this problem-solving-training be transferred? What can you (or others) learn from this?

Source: d'Zurilla, T. J., & Goldfried, M. R. (1971). Problem-Solving and Behavior Modification. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 78, 101-126.