Problem solving, Hindrances from: Perception, expression, emotions, intellect and work environment. Ways to overcome these hindrances.

1. Hindrance to Problem Solving
PRESENTED BY:
PRINSON RODRIGUES

2. What is problem solving?
Problem solving is the act of
i. defining a problem
ii. finding the cause of the problem
iii. Identifying/ prioritizing and selecting alternatives for a solution
iv. implementing a solution.

3. Dimensions to problem solving
 Perception: inaccurate perception of a problem creates difficulties in deciphering the
problem
 Expression: unable to express ideas adequately, misunderstandings may arise
 Emotions: influences our ability to understand all dimensions of the problem
 Intellect: lack of knowledge, skill or wrong approach, likely to exaggerate the problem
and not solve it.
 Work Environment: have the support of our superiors, colleagues and juniors at the
work place.

4. Perception
• Perceptual blocks exist when we are unable to clearly receive a problem or information needed
to solve it effectively
• Perceptual blocks arise from the way we have learnt to recognise information from the world
around us.
• We develop habits of 'seeing' the world, which sometimes can get in the way of finding the
best solution to a problem

5. Perceptual blocks
Mistaking cause and effect
Not seeing the problem in perspective
Not recognising problems
Stereotyping
Seeing only what you expect to see

6. Expression
Expressive blocks arise when we are unable to communicate in the way
required to produce an effective solution
example:- not being able to express our ideas effectively to those who
have to implement the solution.

7. Expressive blocks
Using the wrong language
Unfamiliarity with a particular application of a language
Inadequate explanations
A passive management style
A dominant management style

8. Emotional
What are Emotions?
An emotion is a mental and physiological state associated with a wide variety of
feelings, thoughts, and behaviours.
What are Emotional Hindrances in Problem Solving?
Emotional blocks arise when our emotional needs conflict with the situation.
For e.g. when we do not propose a radical solution to a problem because we feel it
might sound ridiculous and make us look foolish.

9. Both positive and negative emotions can act as barriers to problem
solving depending upon how the individual chooses to use them.
 Interest level in a job
 Human nature is intolerant towards ambiguity:
 Resorting to shortcuts
 Inability to prioritize problems
 Fear
 Over-anxiety
 Disappointment
 Discouragement
 Optimism

10. Following are ten things that can be done to manage emotions:
Get enough rest
 Eat a balanced diet
 Exercise regularly
 Talk to some one you trust
Learning to recognize what emotion you are feeling is a very first important step.
 Ask yourself questions
 Determine the source of the feelings
 Once the feeling is identified, own up to it; don’t deny it
 Avoid accusing
 Begin to understand the underlying tensions that create the emotions
How to take Control Of your Emotions

11. What is Intellect?
It is the power of reasoning and understanding (person's mental power)
Logical thinking involves:
ordering selecting, comparing, contrasting and evaluating.
Creative thinking involves:
Fluency: ease of producing ideas
Flexibility: ease of modifying and adapting ideas
Originality: the freshness or novelty of ideas
Elaboration: expanding and detailing ideas

12. Intellectual blocks
Intellectual blocks are caused by us not being able to absorb information in
the ways required to solve a problem
example:- not knowing how to evaluate ideas to select the most effective
solution.
ASPECTS OF INTELLECTUAL BLOCKS:
Basic Human Limitations
Use of Language
Faulty Logic or Perception
Psychological and Sociological Pitfalls

13. Work environment
These blocks are due the distractions in our surroundings, real, imagined, or
anticipated.
Working in an atmosphere that is pleasing and supportive increases the generation of
new ideas.
Work Environment blocks
Management style
Distractions
Physical discomfort
Lack of support
Stress
Monotonous work

14. How to overcome these barriers?
All of the blocks, except those caused by the physical environment, arise
through learning or lack of it, either our own or that of people who influence
us.
We can overcome most of our own blocks permanently by re-learning, and
overcome other people's blocks which hinder us by learning ways to sidestep
them.
Even being conscious of our thoughts and actions can help a great deal, by
being aware of our thoughts and inherent beliefs, we can change alternative
course of actions and avoid problems

15. QUIZ TIME

17. A truck driver is going down a one way street the wrong way, and
passes at least ten cops. Why is he not caught?
Because he was not driving! He’s walking on the sidewalk.
If there are 6 apples and you take away 4, how many do you
have?
The 4 you took

18.  There was an airplane crash, every single person on board died,
but yet two people survived. How is this possible?
 Which is heavier, 100 pounds of rocks or 100 pounds of
feathers?
They both weigh the same – 100 pounds
The two were married

19. THANK YOU