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Problem Solving Strategy

This document outlines a 7-step problem-solving strategy for families: 1) Have members state and agree on the problem. 2) Allow each member to share feelings without interruption. 3) Generate potential solutions without judgment. 4) Edit the list to remove impossible solutions. 5) Create a written plan with assignments. 6) Review results in 2-3 weeks. 7) Revise the plan based on effectiveness. The strategy is designed to generate creative solutions through participation and collaboration between family members.

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21 views1 page

Problem Solving Strategy

This document outlines a 7-step problem-solving strategy for families: 1) Have members state and agree on the problem. 2) Allow each member to share feelings without interruption. 3) Generate potential solutions without judgment. 4) Edit the list to remove impossible solutions. 5) Create a written plan with assignments. 6) Review results in 2-3 weeks. 7) Revise the plan based on effectiveness. The strategy is designed to generate creative solutions through participation and collaboration between family members.

Uploaded by

wferry27
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BRIGHT FUTURES TOOL FOR FAMILIES

Problem-Solving Strategy

This problem-solving strategy is useful when there is an area of dis-


agreement or a complicated problem whose solution requires several
family members. It is the kind of strategy used by business “think
tanks” to generate creative solutions. This strategy can help your
family find solutions, too!
■ Have one person state the problem needing to be solved, and
then ask each family member to share his or her view of it until
everyone agrees on a single statement of the problem. Somebody
should write down the problem statement that is agreed upon on
a piece of paper, chalkboard, or the computer so that everyone
can see it.
■ Have each family member say how he or she feels about the
problem without being interrupted.
■ Have each family member contribute to a list of potential solu-
tions without passing judgment on the feasibility of the sugges-
tions. Be sure to include suggestions that seem outrageous, as
these help with creativity.
■ Have each family member contribute to editing the list to elimi-
nate impossible solutions.
■ Combine the remaining solutions into a written plan with assign-
ments for each family member, as needed. The assignments
should be specific, and it should be possible for family members
to tell whether assignments have been
completed.
■ Set a time to review the results as a family,
usually in 2 to 3 weeks.
■ Revise the plan according to which parts
of it helped solve the problem and which
did not.
■ Repeat the process as needed.

Cite as: Howard BJ. 2002. Problem-solving strategy. In Jellinek M, Patel BP, Froehle MC, eds., Bright Futures in Practice: Mental
Health—Volume II. Tool Kit. Arlington, VA: National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health.

www.brightfutures.org

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