INTRODUCTION
In the everyday life scenario, people are faced with different problems that seek well-
structured interventions to solve. Robbins (2014) defined problem-solving as the process of
providing solutions to problems that seem sophisticated and complex. There will be a need to put
the requisite problem-solving techniques into practice when faced with a problem, which would
help create the most suitable solution. There is a general problem-solving method, however,
which cuts through all issues. The problem-solving procedure entails six steps: Problem
description, Problem analysis, Development of potential solutions, Solution analysis, Selection
of the most feasible solution, and implementation ("The Problem Solving Process," 2020). This
paper will demonstrate and address how to find the best solutions to the scenario provided by
following the six-step problem-solving procedure.
Step 1: Define the Problem in that Scenario
The condition here is that I've been at work for eleven years now. To improve my
prospects for a promotion, I went to school to obtain a Bachelor's degree. I'm almost at the end of
my degree, but the role of a supervisor from a rival business has just been made available in
another competing company. The starting date is scheduled for two weeks from now. My final
exams, however, are also during that period. There will be a reimbursement of $15,000 annually
from the new job; I will be issued a relocation expense and a car allowance. Based on my
excellent job results, my former boss recommends me for the job position. All the supervisors in
the business have Master's degrees at this stage. It's fair to say, knowing this, that I will be
expected to receive my Bachelor's degree and continue to earn my Master's degree. However, the
current employer provides spent tuition reimbursement that the competing employer does not
provide. I must find a solution to this problem. Below is the analysis I made of the problem.
Step2: Analyze the Problem
To equate it with a new solution, part of evaluating the issue requires knowing the current
situation. Once I graduate with a bachelor's degree in two weeks, I stand a significant chance of
being promoted from my current employment. Tuition reimbursement is another significant
benefit that my current employer offers. Hence, it ensures that if I intend to obtain a master's
degree while working for the business, the expenditures I have accrued will be reimbursed.
However, the rival business offers very enticing and very lucrative add-ons.
First of all, the organization will give me a new working atmosphere that is important to
every employee. Also, it is very appealing that I will be able to work with my former boss. The
company's offer to take care of my relocation expenses and provide me with car allowances
needs me to take an in-depth account. Considering that all the company managers have Master's
degrees, I would need to obtain the same as soon as possible, without the company's tuition
reimbursement.
Step 3: Generate Options
I will develop various potential solutions without assessing them, as stipulated by Hicks
(2013). Developing the solutions will help me go through all the possible ideas to solve the
PROBLEM SOLVING 3
problem. Among the options that I have is to remain in my current job and hope for a promotion
after completing my degree. The other option will be to tender my application for the new job
and ask if they would allow me to resume work after completing my exams. I will, in this case,
withdraw from my current role. I would suggest to my possible employer to allow me to report to
work after completing my exams.
Step 4: Evaluate Options
The evaluation of options is when both the possible positive and negative outcomes are
considered and recorded. (Lochhead, Whimbey & Narode, 2013). In completing my Bachelor's
Degree, if I chose to stay in the current company that I am working for, I would earn a chance to
receive a promotion. I will also be able to receive tuition fees reimbursement that will cater to
my current and further studies. However, staying will deny me the opportunity and goodies that
come with the new position, such as car allowance and the upscale in salary. Considering the
second option will help see me receive higher pay and other mentioned allowances. However,
after completing my degree, the company never responds; I will be devastated, provided that I
will already have resigned from my present workplace, hence rendering me jobless.
Step 5: Make your Decision
As per my review of the potential solutions, I will prefer the first alternative: continue
working with my current company. I prefer continuing to work with my employer as the most
feasible solution to undertake. If I continue working with my current employer, I will guarantee a
secured job and tuition reimbursement compared to the new position. In this event, considering
my former boss trying to convince and coerce me to take up the role, I wouldn't consider it.
Step 6: Implement and Reflect
I will then enforce it after arriving at the most suitable solution. I will continue with my
course and undertake the examinations within two weeks, after which I would report back on the
date issued by my current employer. I would decline in a kind manner to any approaches and
incentives, if any, that would try to convince me to move to a competing company. After
considering the different elements, I would consider this solution as the best. Second, I like my
current company's philosophy of reimbursing tuition fees. Second, it would not be prudent to
apply for the other position since there would be a risk of losing out on the start date. I wouldn't
like to be unemployed.
More ever, it would be somehow a risky decision for me to apply to another company
before I resign from my present position. I will have a strained relationship boss with my current
if he finds out I am trying to move out before tendering my resignation. The situation would
deteriorate further if I don't secure the job. However, the new job requires a Master's degree,
which would strain my resources as the company would not reimburse me.
PROBLEM SOLVING 4
Conclusion
In conclusion, with the use of an appropriate decision-making mechanism, a rational
decision can be made. Defining the issue enables an individual to filter down to the actual
problem at hand. Analyzing the issue provides clarity and tells you of the best choice. It is also a
crucial move to have a consistent way of implementing the solution chosen since it is where the
solution is put to effect.
PROBLEM SOLVING 5
REFERENCES
Whimbey, Arthur., Lochhead, Jack. and Narode, Ronald.2013. New York: Routledge.
Pollak, Ave.1995. Trenton, NJ: Mercer County Community College, Division of Corporate