interest-based problem solving, an employee engagement process presented by columbus area...
TRANSCRIPT
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING, AN EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
Presented By Columbus Area Labor-Management Committee
Jim Cowles, Executive DirectorMeredith Porterfield, Program Manager
TRADITIONAL PROBLEM SOLVING
Most traditional problem solving processes can be:• Positional• Power based• Adversarial• Time consuming• Focus on one particular solution
THERE HAS GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY!
We want to focus on a problem solving process that:
• Actually solves problems without placing blame
• Focuses on the system • Mutually beneficial• Everybody works together to help each
other• Develops the relationship
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Based on the techniques of Interest Based Bargaining
Different adaptations and namesApplicable to any type of setting in addition to
labor negotiationsFocuses on solving the problem, not positions
and personalities
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
• Not an easy process• Requires trust, honesty• Need to share information, can be
revealing about thoughts and concerns • Has very specific steps that must be
followed in order
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING• Need to follow good brainstorming
guidelines, make decisions by consensus• Learning curve• Best to have assistance as you learn the
process• Will need a flip chart or portable white board
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING - The STEPS
1. Brainstorm and record a list of problems
2. For each problem identify and record the separate interests of the parties involved
3. Identify shared interests
4. Brainstorm and record a list of possible options to resolve the problem
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING - The STEPS
5. Develop and record a list of standards
6. Judge options to standards
7. Come to consensus on a solution
What are INTERESTS?
• Concerns• Wants • Needs• Desires• Fears
What are INTERESTS?
• Basic needs (security, economic, sense of well being, recognition, control over one’s life) are what drives our interests.
• They tell us why solving the problem is important
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 1 - Problems or Issues• With any problem, there are other
problems or issues associated with it.• Make sure you identify problems, not
symptoms.
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGStep 2 – Identify Interests• Brainstorm each side’s interests. Develop a long list
of interests.
Step 3 – Identify Mutual Interests• Circle the mutual or shared interests. There will be
many mutual interests – more than you think.
Step 4 – Identify Options or Solutions• Develop options, or solutions, based on those
mutual interests.
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 4, Options or Solutions (cont.):• Usually more than one solution for a
problem• Don’t stop on what you think is the one right
answer.
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 4, Options or Solutions (cont.):• Follow good brainstorming guidelines, the
more ideas the better.• Do not evaluate ideas at this point.• Be careful not to discuss and debate ideas.
– There will be time for discussion later.
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGStep 5, Standards• We use standards or criteria to make decisions
all the time but don’t think about.
• Standards need to be specific, measurable and objective.
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGStep 5, Standards
• Three standards that can be used with most problems: • Workable• Mutually beneficial• Cost effective
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 5, Standards• Brainstorm and record a list of standards• Try to have no more than five significant
standards• Once standards are identified, LETTER
each standard
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 6, Judge Standards to Options• Compare each of the standards to the
options or solutions identified in Step 4.• When an option meets a standard, write
the letter of the standard• If the option meets all the standards, keep
it. If it does not, strike or cross out the option.
• Do this with all options.
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
Step 7, Come to Consensus on a Solution• There will probably be more than one
solution that meets the standards.• Options can be prioritized, combined, or
used as pilot, etc. – whatever the group decides – to become the solution.
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGOther Thoughts on the Interest-Based
Process:
• Start with a small problem, work up to harder problems as comfort with the process increases.
• Have steps in front of group and go through each step.
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGOther Thoughts on the Interest-Based
Process: (cont.)• Will be a slow process at first but after
using it a few times, speed will pick up.• Don’t get positional or revert to other
traditional behaviors.• Absolutely important to use a flip chart or
something to record ideas so that everybody can see them.
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGOther Thoughts on the Interest-Based
Process: (cont.)• Works well with other problem-solving
processes.• Get outside assistance.
INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING
For more information or assistance with problem solving, contact:
Columbus Area Labor-Management Committee
http://calmc.org