INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING, AN EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS

Presented By Columbus Area Labor-Management Committee

Jim Cowles, Executive DirectorMeredith Porterfield, Program Manager

TRADITIONAL PROBLEM SOLVING

Most traditional problem solving processes can be:• Positional• Power based• Adversarial• Time consuming• Focus on one particular solution

THERE HAS GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY!

We want to focus on a problem solving process that:

• Actually solves problems without placing blame

• Focuses on the system • Mutually beneficial• Everybody works together to help each

other• Develops the relationship

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING

Based on the techniques of Interest Based Bargaining

Different adaptations and namesApplicable to any type of setting in addition to

labor negotiationsFocuses on solving the problem, not positions

and personalities

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING

• Not an easy process• Requires trust, honesty• Need to share information, can be

revealing about thoughts and concerns • Has very specific steps that must be

followed in order

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING• Need to follow good brainstorming

guidelines, make decisions by consensus• Learning curve• Best to have assistance as you learn the

process• Will need a flip chart or portable white board

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING - The STEPS

1. Brainstorm and record a list of problems

2. For each problem identify and record the separate interests of the parties involved

3. Identify shared interests

4. Brainstorm and record a list of possible options to resolve the problem

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING - The STEPS

5. Develop and record a list of standards

6. Judge options to standards

7. Come to consensus on a solution

What are INTERESTS?

• Concerns• Wants • Needs• Desires• Fears

What are INTERESTS?

• Basic needs (security, economic, sense of well being, recognition, control over one’s life) are what drives our interests.

• They tell us why solving the problem is important

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING

Step 1 - Problems or Issues• With any problem, there are other

problems or issues associated with it.• Make sure you identify problems, not

symptoms.

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGStep 2 – Identify Interests• Brainstorm each side’s interests. Develop a long list

of interests.

Step 3 – Identify Mutual Interests• Circle the mutual or shared interests. There will be

many mutual interests – more than you think.

Step 4 – Identify Options or Solutions• Develop options, or solutions, based on those

mutual interests.

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING

Step 4, Options or Solutions (cont.):• Usually more than one solution for a

problem• Don’t stop on what you think is the one right

answer.

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING

Step 4, Options or Solutions (cont.):• Follow good brainstorming guidelines, the

more ideas the better.• Do not evaluate ideas at this point.• Be careful not to discuss and debate ideas.

– There will be time for discussion later.

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGStep 5, Standards• We use standards or criteria to make decisions

all the time but don’t think about.

• Standards need to be specific, measurable and objective.

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGStep 5, Standards

• Three standards that can be used with most problems: • Workable• Mutually beneficial• Cost effective

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING

Step 5, Standards• Brainstorm and record a list of standards• Try to have no more than five significant

standards• Once standards are identified, LETTER

each standard

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING

Step 6, Judge Standards to Options• Compare each of the standards to the

options or solutions identified in Step 4.• When an option meets a standard, write

the letter of the standard• If the option meets all the standards, keep

it. If it does not, strike or cross out the option.

• Do this with all options.

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING

Step 7, Come to Consensus on a Solution• There will probably be more than one

solution that meets the standards.• Options can be prioritized, combined, or

used as pilot, etc. – whatever the group decides – to become the solution.

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGOther Thoughts on the Interest-Based

Process:

• Start with a small problem, work up to harder problems as comfort with the process increases.

• Have steps in front of group and go through each step.

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGOther Thoughts on the Interest-Based

Process: (cont.)• Will be a slow process at first but after

using it a few times, speed will pick up.• Don’t get positional or revert to other

traditional behaviors.• Absolutely important to use a flip chart or

something to record ideas so that everybody can see them.

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVINGOther Thoughts on the Interest-Based

Process: (cont.)• Works well with other problem-solving

processes.• Get outside assistance.

INTEREST-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING

For more information or assistance with problem solving, contact:

Columbus Area Labor-Management Committee

http://calmc.org