The Competence of "Problem Solving" in Critical Incidents

Albert Einstein once remarked, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when creating them.” This quote resonates deeply with me and serves as a guiding principle whenever I confront challenges. Daily, we encounter various obstacles that demand innovative solutions. How we approach these issues significantly influences the effectiveness of our resolutions. In this essay, I will explore the competence of 'Problem Solving' by reflecting on my personal experiences and comparing them with those of an interviewee. Through this comparison, I aim to highlight the insights I have gained regarding effective problem-solving strategies, particularly in critical incidents.

Personal Experience: Multi-Sport Camp Coordinator

Last summer, I served as a multi-sport camp coordinator at my local leisure center. We had recently onboarded new assistants for the summer camps, and after a few weeks, I noticed a decline in the team's efficiency and productivity. The new staff members were struggling to collaborate effectively, and many were unaware of their roles and responsibilities. This lack of cohesion began to negatively impact both productivity and the overall atmosphere of the camp.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, I implemented several strategies to foster teamwork and enhance communication among the staff. I initiated daily end-of-day meetings, allowing team members to express their thoughts on the day’s activities and suggest areas for improvement. This platform not only encouraged open dialogue but also enabled me to share my observations and ideas. Additionally, I introduced a buddy system that paired senior camp leaders with junior assistants, helping the newcomers acclimate to their roles and understand the expectations placed upon them. To further clarify responsibilities, I designed daily responsibility sheets that outlined each staff member's tasks and deadlines.

The results were remarkable. Camp morale improved significantly, and collaboration among the staff increased. Parents began to notice the positive atmosphere, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The daily meetings and buddy system empowered the assistants to work more independently, leading to enhanced productivity and a more enjoyable experience for the children. By summer's end, we received extensive praise from both the staff and the parents.

Interview Experience: HR Manager in a Multinational IT Company

For this assignment, I chose to interview my father, who works in the HR department of a large multinational IT firm. His experience managing a diverse team made him an ideal candidate for insights into problem-solving in a corporate environment. He recounted a specific incident where he led a small group on an IT project. Due to the multinational nature of the firm, many team members were non-native English speakers, leading to significant communication barriers.

As the project progressed, my father observed that poor English proficiency among team members resulted in misunderstandings and ineffective communication, particularly when addressing issues or responding to client inquiries. Realizing the potential for ongoing confusion and decreased productivity, he recognized the need for immediate intervention.

My father approached his senior manager to discuss the issue and brainstorm potential solutions. Together, they established a translator scheme, providing non-Irish staff with on-call translation assistance. Additionally, they implemented weekly language training courses aimed at improving the English proficiency of multilingual employees. The outcomes were impressive; the translator scheme minimized misunderstandings, leading to more efficient task completion. The language training significantly boosted employees' confidence in communicating with colleagues and clients, ultimately increasing productivity rates by 10%.

Comparative Analysis and Insights

Upon comparing both experiences, it became evident that small, strategic changes in the workplace can yield substantial results. The Hawthorne Studies illustrate how adjustments in work conditions, such as rest periods and collaborative efforts, can enhance productivity. Both my experience and my father's demonstrated that fostering communication and collaboration can significantly improve workplace morale and efficiency.

Reflecting on these experiences, I gained valuable insights into the common competencies that both my father and I share in problem-solving. We both approached our challenges with a sense of responsibility and openness. Llopis (2013) emphasizes that open-minded individuals can see beyond the immediate details and tackle problems directly. Our willingness to explore diverse solutions exemplified this mindset. Additionally, we adhered to the five steps of problem-solving outlined by Tarvin (2016): defining the problem, brainstorming ideas, deciding on a solution, implementing the solution, and reviewing the results. We quickly identified miscommunication and low productivity as core issues and devised effective strategies to address them.

If faced with a similar situation in the future, I would focus on enhancing my collaborative approach by involving colleagues earlier in the problem-solving process. As Llopis (2013) states, “communication is a fundamental necessity” for effective problem resolution. By engaging others, I could foster a wider perspective on the issue, potentially leading to more innovative solutions. My father's proactive approach in discussing the problem with his manager illustrates the benefits of collaboration. In contrast, my initial hesitation to involve others may have limited my ability to explore all available options.

Conclusion

This reflective analysis has illuminated the importance of effective problem-solving skills in both personal and professional contexts. The insights gained from my experiences, coupled with my father's professional encounters, underscore the value of communication and collaboration in navigating challenges. Ultimately, while individuals may approach problem-solving differently, there is much to learn from sharing experiences and perspectives, enhancing our collective capacity to address critical incidents effectively.