TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 26, 2004 -- As complex business challenges become more widespread, using effective problem-solving techniques is critical to addressing major business issues successfully, according to Sharon Daniels, CEO and president of international training and consulting firm AchieveGlobal.

Recent AchieveGlobal research with business leaders revealed that problem- solving skills, along with communication, strategic, technical and decision- making skills, are the top skill sets considered crucial to meeting today's business challenges.

"In a time of rapidly changing markets, constantly moving targets and unforeseen obstacles, individuals need to have the skills necessary to map their way through a maze of issues and dilemmas, and that includes effective problem-solving skills," says Daniels. "The keys to efficient and successful problem resolution are approaching the process with a systematic, logical methodology and accomplishing it through positive interpersonal interactions."

Scope and challenges

Focus group research by AchieveGlobal indicates all individuals in an organization need to be equipped to solve problems: 53 percent said they solved problems daily and 22 percent considered this as an hourly role. Although focus group participants identified a number of approaches, including root cause analysis, empowerment, flowcharting, asking others, investigation and learning from history, most indicated their organization had not adopted a formal problem-solving approach.

Even though most organizations agree about the value of problem-solving skills, development of good solutions does not necessarily translate into better operational results. Common barriers to successful solution implementation include:

* "We've always done it this way."

* Lack of buy-in from employees who were not involved in solution development

* Human failure in not taking responsibility for implementation

* Poor communication and breakdowns in assignment of responsibilities

* Lack of knowledge of how to implement the action plan

* Refusal to participate because someone else developed the solution

* Lack of time and resources

Keys to successful problem solving

Utilizing a problem-solving process is critical to addressing major business issues, according to Daniels. "By drawing on a common process and attending to the needs of people participating in that process, problem- solving can generate results efficiently and effectively," she says. "However, the challenge of working with others to solve problems stems from trying to get quick results while involving others in a meaningful way."

Daniels describes AchieveGlobal's five-step Results Process to guide a group from problem identification to resolution:

* Quantify the gap: Define and quantify the gap between the current situation and the desired outcome.

* Uncover the cause: Without relevant data, efforts may address symptoms rather than the source of the problem.

* Create options: A range of possible solutions makes it easier to close the gap and to satisfy all stakeholders.

* Decide the solution: Involving the right people in the right way increases their commitment.

* Realize results: Develop a specific plan with tasks, assignments, timetables and evaluation mechanisms.

Achieving a problem-solving culture

Daniels notes that a group's effectiveness in working together to solve problems depends largely on the presence of specific organizational conditions she refers to as "The Hallmarks of a Problem-Solving Culture." This culture is demonstrated when the organization:

* Builds trust: Where trust prevails, people find it easier to work together and approach problems objectively.

* Leverages what people do well: Leveraging strengths leads to faster and more effective solutions.

* Encourages innovation and measured risk: When people are encouraged to try new approaches and earnest mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, creative problem solving becomes the rule and not the exception.

"Organizations should strive to develop a comprehensive problem-solving and implementation strategy to increase the speed and likelihood of resolution," concludes Daniels. "Together, high-performing people and an effective process combine to create a problem-solving environment that produces results."

About AchieveGlobal

With its headquarters in Tampa, AchieveGlobal (http://www.AchieveGlobal.com ) is the world leader in helping organizations achieve business results through a strategic approach to the direction and development of competent individuals. Services focus on skills training and consulting services in sales performance, customer service and leadership development.

Web Site: http://www.AchieveGlobal.com