The Alexandrian SolutionCreative Problem Solving and Decision Making

Christos K. Agrogiannos

Introduction

• “The origins of the “Gordian knot,” a termcommonly used to describe a complex orunsolvable problem, can be traced back to alegendary chapter in the life of Alexander theGreat. As the story goes, in 333 B.C. theMacedonian conqueror marched his army intothe Phrygian capital of Gordium in modern dayTurkey. Upon arriving in the city, heencountered an ancient wagon, its yoke tiedwith what one Roman historian laterdescribed as “several knots all so tightlyentangled that it was impossible to see howthey were fastened.” Phrygian tradition heldthat the wagon had once belonged to Gordius,the father of the celebrated King Midas. Anoracle had declared that any man who couldunravel its elaborate knots was destined tobecome ruler of all of Asia.

The Alpha MethodologyConsulting, Training & Coaching

Introduction

• According to the ancient chronicler Arrian, theimpetuous Alexander was instantly “seizedwith an ardent desire” to untie the Gordianknot. After wrestling with it for a time andfinding no success, he stepped back from themass of gnarled ropes and proclaimed, “Itmakes no difference how they are loosed.” Hethen drew his sword and sliced the knot in halfwith a single stroke. In another version, hesimply pulled out a lynchpin running throughthe yoke, loosening the knot enough that hewas able to unfasten it. Whatever method heused, the young king was immediately hailedas having outsmarted the ancient puzzle.”

The Alpha MethodologyConsulting, Training & Coaching

Description

• The more serious and complex theproblems, the more difficult decisions are,and the greater the risk, since thehypotheses and the psychological pitfallsare more.

• When these "traps" coexist at the sametime, then the final decision may be farfrom right.

• The more accurate analysis of the problemand the handling of all these traps will helpus make the right decision.

The Alpha MethodologyConsulting, Training & Coaching

The Alpha Approach

• In this journey from the problem to itssolution we will examine various tools andtechniques of problem analysis andtechniques to deal with it, which willeventually help in deciding throughcreative thinking.

• It is an approach that helps executives oftoday's businesses respond to keyquestions that every business is concernedabout today and the future.

• An issue that will be particularlyemphasized is creative thinking both inunderstanding and resolving the problem,as well as in the dynamics of decision-making through intuition.

The Alpha MethodologyConsulting, Training & Coaching

The Alpha Approach

• Dr. Alkistis Agio and Xristos Agro, both stronglybelieving in synergy and collaboration, puttheir strengths together and in Unity offer thisProblem solving and Decision making journey.

• In this journey from ancient Greek practices tonowadays existing tools you will analyse aproblematic situation to finally reach theproper decision to act.

• You can choose from our Generic Employee orManagerial Empowerment proposes for thesuccess of your managers and people to solveproblems the following creativity workshopsfrom 1-3 days depending on the mix ofapproach and the audience.

The Alpha MethodologyConsulting, Training & Coaching