Assessing Your Problem-Solving Potential

A Quiz

Developing a better understanding of your management and communication style is essential in today’s workplace. Assess your Problem Solving Potential with this quiz!

Instructions: The following survey was designed to assess your approach to problem solving at work. Consider your current or former job when answering the questions. If you are not currently working, consider your university experience when answering. There are no right or wrong answers to the statements. Circle your answer by using the rating scale provided.

1. I readily focus on important problems at work………………….1 2 3 4 5

2. I consider relevant factors when analyzing problems at work…. 1 2 3 4 5

3. I establish appropriate goals for resolving work problems………1 2 3 4 5

4. I generate two or more possible solutions when dealing with a

work problem…………………………………………………….1 2 3 4 5

5. The possible solutions that I identify reflect an understanding

of underlying concepts and issues related to work problems….. 1 2 3 4 5

6. I recognize positive consequences associated with possible

solutions to work problems………………………………….….1 2 3 4 5

7. I consider the long-term consequences associated with

implementing possible solutions…………………………….….1 2 3 4 5

8. I select a solution only after considering all possible

consequences associated with possible solutions………..….…. 1 2 3 4 5

9. I implement solutions in a timely manner……………………… 1 2 3 4 5

10. I implement solutions in an effective manner………………….. 1 2 3 4 5

11. I seldom follow up after solutions have been implemented

to determine their effectiveness…………………………………1 2 3 4 5

12. I accept responsibility for my contribution to successfully

solving work problems………………………………………….1 2 3 4 5

Scoring:

Total score of all items: ______

Comparative Norms: Total score of 12–24 = Ineffective approach toward problem solving; Total score of 25–47 = Medium approach toward problem solving;

Total score of 48–60 = Effective approach toward problem solving.

Interpreting the Result

The ability to solve problems is a critically important managerial skill. Research shows that there are seven steps to effective problem solving. These are problem identification, goal selection (what do we want to accomplish?), generation of alternative solutions, analysis of possible consequences, effective decision making, implementation, and evaluation of the solution that was implemented. This 12 item survey is intended to allow you to assess your own problem solving skills by asking questions relating to these seven steps.

If you scored high, congratulations are in order. Your self-analysis shows that you have the skills necessary for managerial problem solving. However, two words of caution are in order here, both arising out of the research that led to the use of these survey questions. First, the average employee gave a self-rating of 48 which is in the high range. We do not have good research on how students rate themselves, but it is possible that the average student rating is similarly high. This means that in order to distinguish yourself, you need to have fairly high performance in these areas. Second, the research shows that employees rate themselves higher than their managers rate them. So, you need to be careful to not overestimate your problem solving skills.

If you scored in the moderate or low range, this indicates that this is a skill you should work on improving. As you well know, life is full of problems of one sort or another. You should consciously practice your problem solving skills in whatever situation they arise.

These surveys and feedback are part of a McGraw-Hill textbook by Angelo Kinicki and Brian Williams. “Management: A Practical Introduction 8e,” McGraw-Hill Education, New York, NY, 2018.

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