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Problem Solving

DEFINITION 

Identifies, analyzes, and weighs, the relevance, risk, and accuracy of data driven information to identify the causes of problems. Employs critical thinking to seek, generate, and evaluate alternative perspectives/solutions by asking new questions. Recommends and/or chooses courses of action that balance the interests of the mission and stakeholders. Assesses unintended consequences.

Proficiency Levels

(Use these to find learning content on this page that is best suited for you. See the ECA and WFD Continuum for more.)

You ask questions and look for information that helps to identify the symptoms and causes of everyday problems. You suggest remedies that meet the needs of the situation. You resolve problems and make supervisors aware of potential issues as appropriate

You investigate issues with uncertain causes. You ask for information from others to help identify the symptoms and causes of problems. You suggest alternative approaches that meet the needs of the organization, the situation, and those involved

You apply problem-solving techniques to diagnose and solve work-related and interpersonal problems. You are able to determine the potential causes of the problem and develop ways to validate your conclusions. You regularly consider the alternatives, risks, and benefits for a range of potential solutions.

You are able to diagnose problems using tools and techniques from multiple angles. You probe underlying issues to generate multiple potential solutions. You proactively anticipate and prevent problems and identify potential consequences and risk levels.

You are able to anticipate problem areas and associated risk levels. You regularly sets standards to define critical issues and solutions to complex problems.

Learning Content

Access our library of on-demand content for this competency here!

Infographics provide a visual representation of information related to their topic of learning. They are often used in support of training activities, such as formal courses or independent studies, but may also be useful for employees as stand-alone resources.

 

Name

Awareness / Basic

Intermediate

Advanced / Expert

Critical Thinking in Five Steps

 

 

Four I's of Creative Problem Solving

 

 

Steps to Root Case Analysis 

 

 

Bloom's Taxonomy

 

Questions to Ask When Using Bloom’s Taxonomy

 

Impact of Coaching Culture

 

Tips for Effective Coaching Questions

 

These 5 – 10 minute podcasts include facilitated discussions on select competency-related topics. They contain tips and techniques listeners can learn and quickly apply on-the-job.

 

Name

Awareness / Basic

Intermediate

Advanced / Expert

The Creative Problem-Solving Process

 

 

Developing Skills for Critical Thinking

 

 

Getting to the Root of the Problem

 

 

Problem Solving at NAVFAC

 

Overview of Bloom’s Taxonomy Model

 

Problem Solving Skills #1: Collaborate

 

Problem Solving Skills #2: Communicate

 

Evidence-based Management

   

These short informational videos include whiteboard animations and other tutorials on topic related to this competency.

Note: Users will need to disconnect from NMCI or ONE-Net to view YouTube videos.

Name Awareness / Basic Intermediate Advanced / Expert

The Business Case of Problem Solving

 

Solving the Personal Finance Problem
with the Six Levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy

 

Problem Solving Skill #3: Coaching

 

You can participate in recorded interactive webinars and complete learning activities in real-time through the offerings below. To complete any webinar, you will need to access and complete all listed learning materials listed for each.


Note: Users will need to disconnect from NMCI or ONE-Net to view YouTube videos.

Name

Awareness / Basic

Intermediate

Advanced / Expert

Intern Forum #3: Problem Solving

On-demand Recording:
Option 1: Download file directly

Workbook: For both live and recorded sessions

   

Solve Problems with Root Cause Analysis

On-demand Recording:
youtu.be/38a1_RjPQuI

Workbook: For both live and recorded sessions

 

 

Problem Prevention Methodology

On-demand Recording:
Option 1: Open through YouTube
(URL: youtu.be/V1ljOuCDSpM)
Option 2: Download file directly

N/A

 

 

The Role of Bias in Critical Thinking

On-demand Recording:
Option 1: Open through YouTube
(URL: youtu.be/COsGJEN7no4)
Option 2: Download file directly

Workbook: For recorded sessions

 

 

Solving Problems Through Reframing

On-demand Recording:
Option 1: Open through YouTube
(URL: youtu.be/31Djikq8UtY)
Option 2: Download file directly

Workbook: For both live and recorded sessions

 

 

Employing an Analytical Approach to Decision-making

On-demand recording:
Option 1 - Download file directly

Workbook: For live and recorded sessions

 

 

Keys to Unlocking Great Decision-making

On-demand recording:
Option 1 - Download file directly

Workbook: For recorded
sessions

   

These study programs were developed to be completed by employees independently at their own pace. Please visit each page for additional information regarding registration and participation.

 

Name

Awareness / Basic

Intermediate

Advanced / Expert

Solving Tomorrow's Problems Today

 

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