Stages of Decision Making and Problem Solving

Introduction
In every business venture, certain risks, which could undeniably lead to problems developing day-to-day operations, arise. Good managers often need to identify these problems and deal with them through either efficient preparation or well-defined strategies to conserve resources and workforce. Ultimately, there are two stages involved in dealing with a particular problem; definition and solution stages. They outline the necessary steps required in understanding the critical issues affecting a business and mitigating them without causing further harm efficiently. The design of these two stages helps to distinguish the leadership skills of leaders since they contribute to their efficiency and accountability, key elements in running a business venture.
Problem Definition Stage
Problem definition is the first stage in assessing an issue. The in-depth collection of observations and findings geared towards gaining insight an issue should be improved. By addressing the nature and symptoms of a problem, managers can evaluate how circumstances evolved into the present crisis. Essentially, interviews are conducted amongst employees, observations are made and relevant data is extensively collected that paints a clear picture of the situation. Problem definition is simply a collection of information and its subsequent analysis or synthesis into actionable intelligence. A good problem definition is human-centered and deals with technology or digital platforms. Additionally, it should leave enough space for creative freedom, thus encouraging the implementation of a solution rather than restricting the investigating team from making a worthwhile decision. Finally, different viewpoints are crucial to determining the areas that caused the problem and other sources that might be significant in the future.
One of the mistakes made at this stage is the inclusion of all the issues in one statement. An efficient problem statement separates each issue even if their result is the same. In this manner, each issue is investigated and assigned a problem statement which leads to effective analysis. By focusing attention on each issue that is brought up, accountability is enhanced and the business organization can better prepare for future situations. Another mistake involves handling a big problem as it is, rather than breaking it down into manageable segments. Not only does this method waste resources, but it incapacitates managers from making a correct evaluation and assessment of the situation which could lead to future problems cropping up. Furthermore, by segmenting a big problem into manageable chunks, later stages of decision-making are positively influenced and the time spent therein is reduced.
Problem Solution Stage
The problem solution stage requires the provision of one or multiple choices as viable answers to the issue in question. After analyzing and assessing the data collected in the previous stage, solutions can be derived either deduction or brainstorming ideas from the workers. These solutions are options which can provide an amicable ending to the specific problem impacting the business organization or venture. Furthermore, after providing some solutions, a decision-making process has to be carried out to determine the best way to proceed. The best solution has to be based on its effectiveness and the least amount of side effects it might cause to the company. Thus, the final decision becomes implemented and executed as part of the normal operations carried out, with the aim of returning to normalcy.
Providing limited solutions and choices that have no imagination or skill is one of the defining mistakes of the problem solution stage. It is important to outsource some ideas from the workforce to have all the options laid bare before making any move. Failure to do this often leads to the company jumping up at the first solution they find which may have a lot of negative side effects and cause a decline in business operations. Faulty analysis and observation not based on thoroughness and hard work may lead to managers jumping to the cause. This becomes a complication since they will have ignored other important data. Another common mistake made is not experiencing firsthand the problem or mistake through observation, which may lead to false claims and misleading assessments. Furthermore, solutions need to be countermeasures for future decisions made in the company. Without strategizing for the future, managers risk the occurrence of the same problem.
What to Do in My Decision-Making
In my strategy of improving my decision-making processes, I will consider worst-case scenarios. In such cases, I will adopt robust and long lasting counter-measures and solutions. Additionally, I will evaluate projects at each stage of development, thus, reviewing and re-assessing the solutions and decisions put in place to identify areas that need improvement. It is important for every manager to have a method of critically examining projects, which prevent disasters, and exposes near misses that might cause problems later on.
Listening to employees and encouraging constructive conflict not only provides a diverse array of solutions but optimizes the efficiency of the company’s workers, contributing to better decision-making through rigorous debate and an exchange of ideas. Finally, I will reward my staff for owning up to mistakes they make, thus encouraging them to be transparent and accountable for their decisions. This ultimately improves the ideas outsourced from my workforce and enhances their performance as a unit.