SEVEN PROBLEM SOLVING STEPS

L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- SEVEN PROBLEM SOLVING STEPS 1. Identify the problem. 2. Identify facts and assumptions. 3. Generate alternatives. 4. Analyze alternatives. 5. Compare alternatives. 6. Make and execute your decision. 7. Assess the results. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT Providing soldiers with feedback to let them know how they are doing. Listening to what soldiers say and mean. Using soldier feedback when it makes sense. Ensuring everyone knows of a soldier’s suggestion that you put in place. Giving credit to those who deserve it. Giving awards that are meaningful. Presenting awards at appropriate ceremonies. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT GUIDELINES Before punishment, ensure soldier knows the reason. Consult leader/supervisor before punishment. Avoid threatening punishment. Avoid mass punishment. Listen to soldier’s side of the story. Let soldier know it’s the behavior, not him, that is the problem. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- Tell your soldiers “I know you can do better.” What you expect. Punish those unwilling to perform; retrain those unable to do the task. Respond immediately to undesirable behavior. Never humiliate a subordinate. Ensure the soldier knows exactly why he is in trouble. Ensure punishment is not excessive or unreasonable. Control your temper and hold no grudges. NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT GUIDELINES (cont) L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- SPECIFIED MISSIONS Missions that come from your boss or from higher headquarters. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- IMPLIED MISSIONS When a leader sees something within his area of responsibility that someone needs to do and on his own initiative, develops a leader plan of action. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- REVERSE PLANNING The basic requirements: who, what, when, where, and why. How to accomplish the task. Time needed to coordinate and conduct each step. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- REVERSE PLANNING (cont) Put tasks in sequence. Set priorities. Determine a schedule. Make sure steps are in logical order. Allot enough time for each step. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- RESPONSIBILITIES DURING THE CONDUCT OF THE PLAN Position yourself to best lead your soldiers. Initiate and control the action. Get others to follow the plan. React to changes. Keep soldiers focused. Work the squad to accomplish the goal to standard. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- GOAL SETTING CONSIDERATIONS Must be realistic, challenging, and attainable. Should lead to improved combat readiness. Involve subordinates. Develop a plan of action to achieve goals. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- SELF-DEVELOPMENT Assists in establishing goals for you to meet. Creates a plan of action to accomplish your goals. Monitors you as you execute the plan. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- MENTORING TECHNIQUES Teaching. Developmental counseling. Coaching. L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- HOW PEOPLE LEARN Through the examples of others (observing). Forming a picture in their minds of what they are trying to learn (thinking). By absorbing information (thinking). Through practice (hands-on experience). L225/ OCT 03/ VGT- Work together to accomplish the mission. Execute tasks thoroughly and quickly. Meet or exceed standards. Thrive on demanding challenges. Learn from experiences and are proud of their accomplishments. GOOD TEAMS