Decision Making/Problem Solving
Organization
(Focus & Organization, Time Utilization, Priority Focus)
Problem Anticipation
(Planning, Long Range Thinking)
Analytical Thinking
(Detail Orientation, Detailed Analysis)
Innovative Thinking
(Creativity)
Practical Problem Solving
(Practical Thinking, Common Sense, Realistic Thinking)
People Leadership
Assertiveness
(Ability to Take Charge, Willingness to Take Charge)
Tough-Mindedness
(Conflict Management, Holding Team Accountable)
Positive People Orientation
(People Relations)
Insight
(Interpersonal Insight)
Work Style
Drive & Energy
(Action Orientation, Stamina)
Self-Reliance
(Independent Initiative, Self-Motivation, Initiative)
Process Orientation
(Need for Structure, Acceptance of Authority, Rule Orientation)
Flexibility
(Multi-Tasking, Need for Diversion)
Results Focus
(Results Orientation)
Accommodation
(Service Orientation, Team Orientation)
Personal Characteristics
Self-Discipline
(Conscientiousness, Responsibility, Restraint)
Emotional Consistency
(Capacity to Handle Pressure, Stress Tolerance, Resilience)
Objectivity of Viewpoint
(Objectivity, Criticism Tolerance)
Confidence
(Self-Assuredness, Self-Confidence)
Learning Agility
Quantitative Reasoning
(Numeric Reasoning)
Navigating the Resources
- Read the information below about the trait to develop a greater understanding of your strength/opportunity.
- Consider the Stop, Start, Continue examples to create your own actionable change behaviors.
- Explore the trait more fully by taking advantage of the weblinks below.
Practical Problem Solving
(Practical Thinking, Common Sense, Realistic Thinking)
Practical problem solving measures the extent to which you employ a pragmatic approach to problem solving and decision making. The resources below should provide you with the steps for increasing or decreasing your level of practical problem solving.
Strength
Higher levels of practical problem solving indicate you may employ a logical and pragmatic approach to planning and problem solving.
Opportunity
Lower levels of practical problem solving indicate you may have a wishful thinking style and favor abstract ideas that are difficult to implement.
Excess
Excessive levels of practical problem solving indicate you may be too concrete or miss subtle communications.
Identify an opportunity area that you would like to change. Then, develop behaviors that you can Stop (unhelpful or limiting behaviors), Start (behaviors that you can begin now), and Continue (behaviors that you already do well) to improve in this area. Use the examples below to help create your own Stop, Start, and Continue behaviors.
| Stop | Start | Continue |
| Allowing far-fetched ideas to impact productivity. | Considering the least creative idea possible for solving the problems. | Exploring a few novel ideas. |
| Generating solutions without a practical timeline. | Looking back at previous tasks and projects to accurately estimate. | Identifying first steps to tackle the issue. |
| Spending excess time on ideas that are not workable. | Thinking through solutions that can be implemented immediately and seek the advice of other successful decision makers. | Critically thinking through difficult problems. |
Practical Problem Solving Weblinks for Development:
Problem Solving is a Must Have In The Workplace, Here is Why
Effective Problem-Solving Steps in the Workplace
Problem Solving Techniques and Tips (That Actually Work)
Practical Problem Solving Leadership Weblinks for Development:
Why Common Sense is Key to Successful Management